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SCRIPTURAL EXPOSITION 


OF THE 


CHURCH CATECHISM; 


CONTAINING 


THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN’S ACCOUNT OF THE DOCTRINES 
AND DUTIES OF HIS RELIGION, AND OF THOSE DIVINE 
AUTHORITIES UPON WHICH HE BUILDS HIS FAITH AND 


PRACTICE. 


NEWLY ARRANGED AND ENLARGED 
BY . 
WILLIAM EDWARD’WYATT, D.D, 
Rector of St. Paul’s Parish, Baltimore. 


BALTIMORE: 
Published by the 
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL “FEMALE TRACT SOCIETY, 
And sold at the bookstores of 


F. LUCAS, JR.—J. ROBINSON,—ARMSTRONG & BERRY, 


; AND Ns HICKMAN. 


1839, 


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PREFACE. 


In addition to the Church Catechism, in itself an 
admirable summary of christian doctrine, the following 
little work, the substance of which was in use more 
than a century ago,* contains an exposition of that. 
catechism, full and comprehensive, and yet perhaps as 
concise as the consideration of so many weighty truths 
could be made. 

With this, there will be found a collection of those 
PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE, Which, in the plainest and 
most forcible manner, illustrate and prove the doctrines 
set forth in the exposition. 

To the principal texts, printed at large, there are also 
added quotations of PARALLEL PLAcgs, that the young 
may become familiar with the sacred volume, and with 
the harmony which pervades the whole, by seeking, in 


*The design to incorporate portions of a similar work, by 
Joshua Dixon, was relinquished, after some brief selections 
upon the first few pages. : 


4 


its various parts, the truths of the gospel. This portion 
of the work, moreover, may be useful to those of more 
advanced age who have leisure to enter farther into the 
study of the Scriptures, and who may occasionally wish 
to examine what the inspired writers say, concerning 
any particular point of religion to be found in its place, 
under one or the other of the heads of this book. 

It is proper, however, here to admit, that, unable to 
command much leisure, such was the editor’s difficulty 
in this department of the work, among the multitude 
of passages pointed out by figures, to avoid inaccura- 
cies, the reader may sometimes find himself directed to 
one not relevant to the doctrine in question. Should 
such a case occur, the context may prove to be the 
passage required. 


May, 1839. 


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4 


SCRIPTURAL EXPO 


OF THE 


CHURCH CATECHISM. 


CHAPTER I. 


Question. By what means can we most effectually 
promote the honour of God, the interest of religion, 
and the present and future happiness of mankind ? 

Answer, By laying the foundation of a sound 
faith and good life, in the minds of those who are 
children in age and understanding. 

Q. To whom does this duty chiefly belong? 

44. To Parents, Householders, Ministers, Sureties 
in Baptism, and Teachers of Schools, who are all 
obliged, in their respective stations, to see that those 
under their charge, who stand in need of such educa- 
tion, be catechised, that is to say, instructed in the 
principles of true religion, and virtuously brought up 
to lead a godly and a christian life. 

These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in 
thy heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy chil- 
dren. Deu. vi. 6, 7. iv. 10. Ps. Ixxviii. 5, 6: Pr. xxxi. l. 1 
Eph. vi. 4. 

I know him that he will command his children, and his 
household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, 
to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon 
Abraham, that which he hath spoken of him. ‘Ge. xviii. 19. 
vi. 9. Jos. xxiv. 15. Jo. iv. 58. 


1 


2 


Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest 
thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea Lord, 
thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him ‘Feed my 
lambs.:., J0.-xxi: 15. Is. xl.,Jl. Ac. xx. 28: 1 Pe. y.2. 1 Th. 
ii. 11. Mat. xxvili. 20. 2 Tim. ii. 15. Lu. xii. 42, 43. See 
Exhort. after Bapt. 

@. What method should be taken to make the 
religious instruction of children effectual ? 

/l. The grounds and principles of the christian 
religion are to be instilled into them by degrees, and 
in such a manner as is suitable to their capacities. 

Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line 
upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little. Is. 
xxviii. 10. 1 Cor. ili. 2. He. v.12. De. xi. 19. 

@. How may that be done? 

4. Such a short and plain summary, as that of the 
Church Catechism, of the chief things to be believed 
and practised, ought in the first place to be taught 
them, and then they are to have the full extent and 
latitude of it set before them, and every material 
point proved and illustrated by Scripture. 

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard 
of me, in faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim.i. 13, 
14. Ro. vi. 17. 1 Tim. iv. 6. vi. 3. 

From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which 
are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which 
isin Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. iti 15. 1 Pe. ii. 2. 2 Pe.i.19. Jo. 
v. 39. Lu. i. 3, 4. 

Q. But how must their governors train them up, that 
their lives may be answerable to the knowledge they 
will hereby gain? 

4. By inuring them betimes to the practice of 
piety and virtue, by going before them in those pleasant 
paths, with an encouraging example, and leading them 
on therein with gentleness and sweetness; but yet 
with firmness, and with prudent correction, for such 
faults as cannot otherwise be reformed. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is 


old he will not depart from it. Pr. xxii. 6. Ps. Ixxviii. 4. Is. 
XXVill. 9. 


3 


Her ways are ways of pleasautness, and all her paths are 
peace. Pr. iii. 17,18. Is. xii. 3. lvii. 21. Ixv. 14. Jer. xv. 16. 
Ro. xv. 18. 

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart: I will set 
no wicked thing before mine eyes. Ps. ci. 2, 3. Phi. iii. 17. 
1 Tim. iv. 12: Tit. di. 7. Jos xiti,45. 

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather 
the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and 
shall gently lead those that are with young. Is. xl. 11. 2 Cor. 
x. 1. 1 Th.ii. 7. 2 Tim. ii. 24. Col. iii. 21. 

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of 
correction shall drive it far from him, Pr. xxii. 15. xiil. 24. 
xix. 18. xxiii. 13, 14. xxix. 15, 17. 1 S. ii. 28, 24. iil. 18. 
1 K.i. 5, 6. 


Q. What is required of children and young persons, 
to make those endeavours successful ? 

A. Itis their bounden duty, before all other things, 
to mind the important business of religion, as soon 
as they are capable of taking it into consideration ; 
to be careful to grow in grace, as they grow in years 
and understanding ; and to that purpose, to attend to, 
and follow the counsel of their parents, ministers, 
and other instructors. 


Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, 
and all these things shall be added unto you. at. vi. 33. 
JO? vi. 27. 

Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and troubled about many 
things: but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that 
good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Lu.x. 41, 
42. Ps. xxvii, 4. Ec. xii. 13. 

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Ec. 
xii. 1. xi. 9. 2 Chr. xxxiv. 1, 2,3. 1K. xviii. 12. Lu. ii. 46. 
1 Jo. ii. 13, 14. 

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and 
Saviour, Jesus Christ. 2 Pe. iii. 18. Lu. ii. 52. 1S. ii. 26. 

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not 
the law of thy mother. Pr. i. 8. vi. 20. 1S. ii. 25, 2 Tim. i. 
5, He. xii. 9. . 

We are of God: He that knoweth God heareth us; he that 
is not of God, heareth not us. 1 Jo. iv. 6. He. xiii. 17. 

Submit yourself unto such, and to every one that helpeth 
with us, and Jaboureth. 1 Cor. xvi. 16. Ga. iv. 1, 2. 


€ 


4 


Q. Have we warrant for believing that such means 
shall prevail ? _ 

1. Yes, sooner or later, and there is a covenant 
implied in the assurance, ‘As ye know how to give 
good gifts unto your children, much more shall your 
peane nly, Father give good things to them that ask 

im.? 


CHAPTER II. 


_ Question. What is your name? 

Answer. A. or B. 

_ Q. For what reason, think you, is this easy ques- 
tion, in the first place put to you? 

1. Because it properly introduces my instruction 
in the baptismal covenant; and because the name 
J answer by is my christian name, and not my Ssir- 
name; and, as such, distinguisheth me from Jews, 
Turks, and Heathens; and puts me in mind likewise 
of the privileges and duties of that religion, into which 
I was baptized, when I received that name. 

Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from 
iniguity. 2 Tim. ii. 19. 2 Th. i. 12. Eph. iv. 1. 

Q. Who gave you this name? 

A. My godfathers and godmothers ; persons, 
who, at the request of my parents, and according to 
the appointment of the Church, brought me to bap- 
tism, and there expressly promised that in my behalf, 
which all christians are obliged to, but which, by 
reason of my infancy, I could not promise with my 
own mouth. 

@. Why do you call them by those sacred names ? 

1. Because they were the immediate instruments 
of my being regenerated or born again of God: upon 
which account, I have for them a more than common 
reverence and regard. 


5 


@. Why did not your parents offer you in baptism ? 

A. The Church acquires thereby greater security 
that the obligations will be fulfilled. 

Q. When was this name given you? 

A. In my Baptism; when I was received into 
the Church; the usual and proper time for giving 
names to persons. 

When eight days were accomplished for the circumcising 
of the child, his name was called Jesus. Lu. ii. 21. i. 59, 63. 
Ge. xvii. 4, 5, 24. 

Q. To what privileges were you admitted when 
you were baptized ? 

A. I was then made a member of Christ, the 
child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom 
of heaven. . 

@. How in baptism was you made a member of 
Christ ? 

A. As being thereby admitted into the church of 
Christ, and so made a member of that body and 
society of which Christ is the head. 

We are all baptized into one body. 1 Cor. xii. I3—27. 
Eph. v. 30. Ro. vi. 3. 1 Cor. vi. 15. 

He is the head of the body, the Church. Col. i. 18. Eph. i. 
22, B67) Oor) xi. 3: \Jo.xv. 15.2: 

&. What occasion was there for your being made 
a member of Christ? 

Al. Because, I was ‘by nature born in sin;’ so that 
J am under the power of a corrupt nature, as a 
child of fallen Adam. 

Q. What was the state of Adam before the fall? 

1. He was created in the image of God. 

God created man in his own image. Gen. i. 27. 

In the likeness of God made he him. Gen. v. 1. 

For in the image of God made he man. Gen. ix. 6. 
_Forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God. 1 Cor. 
Xl. 7. 

Q. Wherein did this likeness consist ? 

1* 


a*. 


6 


A. 1. In his having a living soul. Gen. il. 7. 

2. In his being holy. 

3. In his being happy, which is the consequence 
of holiness. 

His will, understanding, and affections were pure; 
and his faculties were exercised on proper objects. 

4. In his power over the rest of the creation. 


God hath made man upright. Eccles. vii. 29. 

Subdue it (the earth) and have dominion over it. Gen. 
1. 28, 29. 

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy 
hands, and hast put all things under his feet. Ps. viii. 6—8. 


Q. What change passed on Adam by the fall? 

A. He lost his likeness to God, his holiness, his 
happiness, and, in a great measure, his dominion over 
the creatures. 

Q. How did our first parents bring this misery on 
themselves ? 

A. By disobeying the command of God. 

Adam/’s will was left free to choose either good 
or evil. 

But of the tree of knowledge, &c. thou shalt not eat. 
Gen. ii. 17. 

When the woman saw the tree, that it was pleasant to the 


eyes, and to be desired to make one wise, she took, and did 
eat, and gave to her husband, and he did eat. Gen. iil. 6. 


Q. What did this sin include? 

A. 1. Unbelief. Gen. iii. 1—9. They believed 
the devil. 

2. Pride. Not content tobe taught the knowledge 
of good and evil by their Maker; they wished to be 
as gods, and to know good and evil for themselves. 
Gen. ill. 5. 

3. Ingratitude. Gen. 11.16. All the garden was 
allowed except one tree. 

4. Cruelty to himself and his posterity ; since the 
Per piness of the whole human race depended upon 

im. 


7 


Q. Is it right to baptize children ? 

A. Yes, certainly ; infants were admitted members 
of the Church, under the law, by circumcision, which 
was the only rite of admission, either for children or 
adults. Baptism is the only ordinance in the christian 
church, whereof children can partake; they must 
therefore be admitted to it, otherwise the dispensation 
of the gospel must be more limited than that of the 
law. Children are certainly as capable of receiving 
the blessings, and fulfilling the duties required of 
them now, as under the Jewish economy. 

The covenant made with Abraham was, 

I will be a God to thee and to thy seed. Gen. xvii.7. 

The promise of the Gospel is, 

To you and to your children. Acts ii. 39. 


Jesus says, speaking of children whom he invited 
to come to him, 

Of such is the kingdom of God, 7. e. the gospel church. 
Matt. xviii. 4; xix. 14. Mark. x. 14. 

The A posites baptized whole households, which 
we must suppose included children. 

And when she was baptized, and her household, &c. Acts 
xvi. 15. 

And was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts xvi. 33. 

The-child of a believing parent is said by St. Paul 
to be holy, which could only be, by its being dedicated 
to God in baptism. 

But now are they holy. 1 Cor. vii. 14. 

Infant baptism prevailed universally in the early 
ages of the church, a circumstance which cannot be 
accounted for but by admitting its existence in the 
times of the apostles with the divine sanction. 

Q. What is Baptism called in the Catechism ? 

Al. A sacrament, which formerly meant a military 
oath to be faithful, but which we understand to be 


8 


‘an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual 
prace,’ ' 

Words, precepts, and promises are liable to be 
forgotten; therefore, in condescension to our weak- 
ness, God has vouchsafed to represent the most con- 
siderable points of religion in visible ceremonies, that 
we may the more easily understand the things re- 
presented, and keep in our minds a remembrance of 
the things signified. Thus sacrifices were appointed 
to Adam, circumcision to Abraham, and various signifi- 
cant ceremonies to the Jews. 

Q. Why are we baptized in the name of the Father, 

Son, and Holy Ghost ? 
_ 4. To show that we believe in. and rest for salva- 
tion on the work of the floly Trinity, dedicating 
ourselves to the service of the Father as our Creator, 
the Son as our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost as our 
Sanctifier. ‘ 

Q. What does water represent to us? 

A. The cleansing of the soul from sin by the blood 
of Christ, and its renewal by the influence of the Holy 
Ghost. Water is used to purify us, and it is therefore 
a very proper emblem of these purifying and refresh- 
ing influences of the Gospel. 

Then will I sprinkle clean water, and ye shall be clean. , 
Ezek. xxxvi. 25. 27. 

But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified. 1 Cor. vi. 11. 

Q. ‘What is the inward and spiritual grace ??” 
JA. ‘A death unto sin, and a new birth unto right- 

eousness.’ 

We were dead in trespasses and sins in our natural 
state ; in our regenerate state we should be alive unto 
righteousness. We should retain no love for sin, and 
whenever we feel it rising within us, we should strive 
against it, and pray to God to enable us to conquer it. 


_ How shall we that are dead to sin, live any donger therein ? 
Rom. vi. 2. 


g 


For he that is dead is freed from sin. Rom. vi. 7. 

Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead unto sin. Rom. 
vi. 11. 

By whom the world is crucified unto me. Gal. vi. 14. 


@. What followed upon your obtaining church 
membership ? 

44. Being thus grafted into the body of Christ’s 
church, I was regenerated into a new and better state 
than that in which I was born, and upon my then 
entering into a gracious covenant with God, he, from 
thenceforth, became my most merciful Father in Christ 
Jesus. 


. Ifany man be in Christ—he is a new creature, old things are 

past away, behold all things are become new. 2 Cor. v. 17. 
Ro, vii. 6. Jo. iii. 3—7. Tit. iii. 5. 1 Pe. i. 23. 

This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house 
of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my law 
in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be 
their God, and they shall be my people. Jer. xxxi. 33. xxxii. 
40. He. vili. 6—13. xii. 24. Eph. ii. 12. Ac. iii. 25. 

Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For 
as many of you as have been baptized into Christ—have put on 
Christ. Ga. iii. 26, 27. Eph.i. 5. Jo. i. 12. 


Q@. What benefit accrues to you from that relation ? 

4. Being thus received for his own child by adop- 
tion, I have a claim of right to that heavenly inheri- 
tance, which is the portion of the sons of God, and 
which I shall certainly have the possession of, unless, 
by not performing my part.of this covenant, I pro- 
voke him to disinherit and cast me off. 


And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs 
with Christ. Ro. viii. 17. Ga. iii. 29. iv. 7. Tit. iii. 5, 6, 7. 
Per ha: 4, 0.) S007 Ut. 4s 2. 

God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of pro- 
mise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; 
that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for 
God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled 
for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us; which hope 
we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast. 
He. vi. 17—20. ix. 15. 

The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 
1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. Ga. v. 21. Eph. v.5. 


10 


Q. What duties do these great and singular ad- 
vantages naturally suggest to us, to whom they are 
vouchsafed ? 

A. As we are members of Christ, it behooves us to 
walk in conformity to Christ our head, in the unity 
and communion of his body, the church, and with 
due regard to the personal welfare of one another. 
As we are children of God, we ought to be obedient 
to our heavenly Father, and holy as he is holy. As 
we are inheritors of the kingdom of heaven, we ought 
to prize heaven above earth, and take care to secure 
our interest there, whatever becomes of the things of 
this world. 


As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in 
him. Col. ii. 6. 1 Jo. ii. 6. Jo. xiii. 15. 1 Cor. vi. 15. 

The multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and 
of one soul. Ac. iv. 32. ii. 1—46. Eph. iv. 3—6. 1 Cor. 
xi. 18. 

There should be no schism in the body: but the members 
should have the same care one for another. 1 Cor. xii. 25, 26. 

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according 
to your former lusts, in your ignorance: but as he which hath 
called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. 
1 Pe. i. 14, 15. Mat. v. 48. Eph. v. 1. 

Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither 
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break 
through nor steal. Mat. vi. 20—33. Lu. xii. 33. He. xi. 25. 
26. Phis iii. 20, 


CHAPTER Iil. 


Question. What did your god fathers and god- 
mothers promise for you in baptism ? 

Answer. They did promise and vow three 
things in my name: of which the first was, 
that I should renounce the devil, and all his 
works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked 
world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. 


li 


@. Whom do you mean by the Devil ? 

4. An evil spirit; he who,*of the apostate and 
fallen angels, is the prince, or head: that great enemy 
of Christ and his church, who, having seduced our 
first parents, hath ever since had, through God’s 
permission, a great power in the world, and stilt 
seeketh our destruction, by tempting us to sin, and 
then accusing us to God for it. 


God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down 
to hell. 2 Pe. ii. 4. Jude 6. Re. xii. 7, 8,9. Mat. viii. 31,32. 

Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Mat. xii. 24. xxv. 41. 

The God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that 
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who 
is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor. iv. 4. 
Mat. xiii. 38, 39. Lu. viii. 12. 

The serpent beguiled Eve, through his subtility. 2 Cor. 
xi. 8. Ge. iii. 1—4. 1 Tim. ii. 14. . 

In time past ye walked according to the course of this 
world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the 
spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. 

ph. ii. 2. 1 Cor. x. 20. Jo. xvi. 11. xiv. 30. 

Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 
seeking whom he may devour. 1 Pe. v. 8. Jobi. 7. Lu. 
xxii. 31. 

I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter 
have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 1 Th. iil. 5. 
1 Cor. vil. 5. 2 Cor. ii. 11. Mat. iv. 1—3. Mar. i. 13. 

The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which aecused 
them before our God, day and night. Re. xii. 10. Jobi. 9. 
li. 5. Zec..iii. 1. 

Q. What do you mean by the works of the devil ? 

4. In general, all manner of sin, and in particular, 
the crimes of which he is principally guilty, and 
especially tempts men to, such as pride, envy, mur- 
der by the hand, or in the heart, lying, deceiving, 
and misleading, especially in matters of religion. 


He that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth 
from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was 
manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 Jo. 
iii. 8—10. Ac. xiii. 10. Jo. xii. 31. Col. ii. 15. 

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the 
condemnation of the devil. 1 Tim. iii. 6. 1 Chr. xxi. 1. 
Is. xiv. 12—15. 


12 


If ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, 
and lie not against the truth. ‘This wisdom descendeth not 
from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Ja. iii. 14, 15, 
Ro. i. 29. 1 Cor. ili. 3. Tit. iil. 3. 


Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father 


ye will do: he was a murderer from the beginning. Jo. viii. 
44, Ge. iii. 4. Re.ix. 11. xii. 13. 1 Jo. iii. 12—15. 

He abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him: 
when he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a 
liar, and the father of it. Jo. viii. 44. Ge. ill. 4,5. Ac. v. 3. 
Col. iii. 9. 

In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving 
heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Tim. iv. 1. 
2 Tim. iii.13. Mar. xiii. 22. Re. ii. 20. Ez. xiii. 10. 2K. 
xxi. 9. De. xiii. 12—16. 1 Jo. ii. 26. 


Q. What is it now to renounce the devil and all 
his works? 

A. It is to reject and withstand that usurped power 
and dominion which he exercises in the world, to 
resist his personal temptations, and in no form to be 
partakers of his crimes, as we would not share with 
him in his punishment. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to 
stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not 
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against 
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against 
spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. vi. 11, 12—18. 
Ac. xxvi. 18. 1 Pe. v. 9. Re. xii. 11. 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Ja.iv. 7. Eph. 
iv. 27. 1 Jo. ii. 14. v. 18. 

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, 
but rather reprove them. Eph. v. 1]. Ro. xiii. 12. 2 Tim. 
ii. 26. 2 Cor. vi. 15. 

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared 
ris the devil and his angels. Mat. xxv. 41. Lu. xiil. 27, 
Beg. 


CHAPTER IV. 


Question. How, and in what sense, do you renounce 
the pomps and vanity of this wicked world ? 


— 


13 


Jinswer. I absolutely renounce conformity to those 
customs and practices of worldly men, which are in 
themselves sinful; and | so far renounce the honours 
and riches of the world, as not to be, from selfish 
considerations, ambitious of the former, nor covetous 
of the latter. And in general, [do hereby look upon 
myself debarred from having more to do, than I can 
help, with anything in the world, which may be like 
to. prove an occasion of sin to me, or that may pro- 
bably tend to alienate me from God, and draw off my 
mind from the other world. 

Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed ‘by 
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that » 
good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Ro. xii. 2. 
2 Pe.1. 4.4 Jo. v.19. 

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. 
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him : 
for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the 
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the 


world, - Fi JO; 18; To.216- lat 1V..6-—S8. 30s, ¥. 43, Xi eAss 
Ga. v. 26. 

They that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and 
into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in de- 
struction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of 
all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from 
the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 
1 Tim. vi. 9. 10. Mat. xxvi. 15,16. 2 Tim. iv. 10. Mat. xiii. 
22. vi. 24. 

The friendship of the world is enmity with God : whosoever 
therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God. 
Ja. iv. 4.1.27. 1Jo.v.4. 1 Cor. v. 9) 10. viii 31. Lu. xii. 
15. 


Q. What have you obliged yourself to by renounc- 
ing all the sinful lusts of the flesh ? 

2. To avoid not only criminal actions, but impure 
desires; not only open profligacy, but, secret inde- 
cency ; and all that rioting and drunkenness which 
would aggravate filthiness of the flesh and spirit, be 
‘inconsistent with christian purity, and render us un- 
clean in God’s sight. 


2 


. id 


The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adul- 
tery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witch- 
craft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, 
heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and 
such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told 
you in time past, that they which do such things shall not 
inherit the kingdom of God. Ga. v. 19, 20, 21. 2 Cor. xii. 
20, 21. Phi. iii. 18, 19. Eph. iv. 19. v. 8, 4, 5. Ro. xiii. 13, 
14. 


Q. But do christians in their baptism absolutely 
renounce all carnal desires whatever? 

/f, All such as would fasten upon a forbidden, and 
therefore unlawful object: to those we are to give no 
indulgence, or consent, much less must we follow, or 

be led by them to the commission of any sinful act. 


Why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, 
and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man 
are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his 
goings. Pr. v. 20, 21. Mat.v. 28. Ge. xxxix. 7—9. 

If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from 
thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of ae members 
should perish, and not that thy whole body should 
hell. Mat. v. 29. Col. iii. 5. Ro. vi. 12, 13, 14. 

Flee youthful lusts. 2 Tim. ii, 22 1 Pe. ii. 11. Ga. vy. 
16—24. Ro. viii. 13. He. xiii. 4. 


CHAPTER. V. 


Question. What mean you by the articles 
of the christian faith, which it was stipulated 
for you, secondly, that you should believe ? 

Answer. All those doctrines of religion, fur which 
we have the authority of Christ and his apostles. 


This is his commandment, that we should believe on the 
name of his son Jesus Christ. 1 Jo. iii. 23. Jo. xv. 15. xx. 
31. Ro. xvi. 25, 26. Lu. i. 1—4. 2 Pe. i. 15, 16. 2 Tim. iii. 
15, 16, 17. 


@. Where do we find those articles of faith? 


e castinto ~ 


15 


A. The fundamental points are summed up in that, 
which, because it contains the heads of the apostles’ 
doctrine, and was compiled, for the most part, in or 
near their times, is called the Apostles’ Creed. 

Q. What is the nature of that faith which we are 
to give to the articles of that creed ? 

A. Tt must be an assent to the truth of all and every 
one of them, and such an assent, as is hearty, active 
or practical, and steadfast. 

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have com- 
manded you. Mat. xxviii. 20. Ac. iii. 22. x. 33. xxiv. 14. 
Eph. iv. 15. 

If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest be bap- 
tized. Ac. viii. 37. Jo. vi. 69. 1 Tim. i. 5. 2 Tim. i. 5. Ro. 
iv. 20, 21. 

In Jesus Christ, neither circumcision availeth anything, nor 
uncircumcision, but faith that worketh by love. Ga. v. 6. 
Ja. ii. 21, 22. He. xi. 8. 1 Th.i. 3. 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith, without waver- 
ing. He. x. 23, 24. vi. 11. Col. i. 23. ii. 5, 6,7. 2 Tin. 
ili. 14. 

Q. And is a faith, thus qualified, sufficient to our 
justification ° 

A. Yes, and that without the deeds of the Jewish 
ceremonial law. 

- With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with 
the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Ro. x. 10. 
Mar. xvi. 16. Jo. iii. 14—18. 

A man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the law. 

Ro. iii. 28. viii. 3,4. Ac. xiii. 88,39. Ga. ii. 16. ui. 11. 
_ Col. ii. 14. 

Q. Are the doctrines of the christian faith summed 
up in any other form? | 

A. Yes, in the Nicene Creed, and in the Thirty- 
nine Articles of Religion. 

Q. Is there any kind of faith, by which we may be 
accounted righteous before God, without the works 
of evangelical righteousness ° 


A. No: and therefore I was put under this 


16 


further engagement, thirdly, that I should keep 
God’s holy will and commandments, and walk 
in the same all the days of my life. 

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without 
works is dead also. Ja. ii. 26. 14, 17, 20. 1. Cor. xiii. 2. 
iit. 1. 8, 2 Pe, 1. 5—8. 

»Q. Which are those commandments, to which this 
part of your vow relates ? { 

A. The ten commandments of the moral law: 
under which are comprehended all those particular 
precepts of the Old and New Testaments, which are 
reduced to one or other of those heads. 

If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Mat. 
xix. 17, 18, 19. v.17. Ro. ii. 13. Tit: ii. 1I, 12. Re. xxii. 14. 

On these commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 
Mat. xxii. 40. 

Q. What is it to keep these commandments ? 

1. To keep them, as we ought to do, is to yield an 
universal obedience, that is, not only to some of them 
which are least difficult or disagreeable, but to all; 
not only upon great occasions, but uniformly; in 
secret as well as before the world; in the heart as 
well as in the actions; and to persevere therein as 
long as we live. 

Whosoever shall break-one of these least commandments, 
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the 
kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do, and teach them, 
the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Mat. 
v. 19. Ja. ii. 10.11. Ps. exix. 6. 151, 172. 2 Cor. ii. 9. 


If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. 
Jo. viii. 31. 1 Cor. xv. 58. 2 Pe. ii. 21, 22. Ps. exix. 112. 


CHAPTER. VI. 


Question. Dost thou not think that thou art 
bound to believe, and do, as they have promised 
for thee? 


7 

Answer. Yes verily: otherwise I forfeit all the 
benefits of my baptism. 

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou 
shalt not slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely re- 
quire it of thee. De. xxiii. 21. Nu. xxx. 2. Ee. v.4. Ps. 
xxii. 25. 

The just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my 
soul shall have no pleasure in him. He. x. 88, 28, 29. ii. 3. 
xii. 25. 

Q. But are you able to keep this vow ? 

A. Not by my own strength, but by God’s help 
Tam able: for J have promised nothing therein but 
what that God hath commanded; and God, a being 
equally just, and holy, and merciful, can require no 
more than he knows that, by his proffered grace, we 
are well able to perform. ey 

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think any thing as 
of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God. 2 Cor. iii. 5. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 
Phi. iv. 13. 2 Cor. xii.9. Eph. iii. 16.. Ez. xxxvi. 27. 

My yoke is easy and my burden is light. Mat. xi. 30. 
1 Jo. v. 3. 

Q. But was it not presumptuous in your sponsors 
to make such a promise in your name, before they 
could tell whether you would perform it or no? 

A. Not at all: because they promised no more than 
what is implied in the very nature of baptism, and to 
which that would have bound me, had it not been 

‘thus expressed, that I might have the more full and 
solemn knowledge of my christian duty, and to en- 
force its obligation, and to tie me more strictly to the 
performance of it. 

Q. And do you, let me ask you again, look upon 
yourself thus strongly bound to stand to this cove- 
nant ? . 

A. I do, and by God’s help so I will, and I not 
only think myself much obliged to my sureties, 
for making such a contract in my behalf; but 

Q* ’ 


rS , 


I do also heartily thank our heavenly Father, 
that he hath called me to this state of salvation, 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour; and I pray 
unto God to give me his grace, that I may not 
fall from that happy condition in which I now 
am, but may continue in the same unto my 
life’s end. 


I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my 
mouth hath spoken. Ps. Ixvi. 18, 14. cxix. 30. 57, 93, 106. 

Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be 
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath 
delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us 
into the kingdom of his dear son. Col. i. 12, 13. ¥ Pern. 9: 

The God of all grace hath called us unto his eternal glory 
by Christ Jesus. 1 Pe. v. 10. Eph. ii. 4—8. Tit. iii 5, 6. 

The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to 
every one that believeth. Ro. i. 16. Mar. xvi. 16. Ac. ii. 47. 

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none 
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we 
must be saved. Ac.iv. 12. Ro. iii. 24. 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6. 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Mat. vii.7. Jo. xvi. 
23. He. iv. 16. 

If after they have escaped the pollution of the world, through 
the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are 
again entangled therein, and overcome; the latter end is worse 
with them than the beginning. For it had been better for 
them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after 
they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment 
delivered unto them. 2 Pe. ii. 20, 21. Math. xii. 45. Ez. 
Xviil. 24. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of 
life. Re. ii. 10—26. Mat. xxiv. 13. Ga. vi. 9. He. iii. 6.x. 39. 


CHAPTER. VII. 


Catechist. Rehearse the baptismal articles of 
thy belief. 

Ans. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth. oe 


9 


And in Jesus Christ, his only son our Lord: 
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of 
the Virgin Mary : suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, dead and buried, he descended 
into hell : the third day he arose from the dead: 
he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the 
right hand of God, the Father Almighty : from 
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the 
dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost: the holy Catho- 
lic Church: the communion of saints: the for- 
giveness of sins: the resurrection of the body : 
and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Q. You told us in your answer to the second 
question of the fifth chapter, what is meant by believ- 
ing : for the more clear explication of this Bexrer, let 
me ask you, into how many Articles it is usually 
divided ? 

A. Into twelve: to every one of which I apply 
these words, 1 believe; and would be understood 
thereby, to make a distinct profession of my own 
personal faith, as often as I say this creed. 

@. What need is there to begin your creed with 
professing your belief in God? 

A. Not because any thinking person can be sup- 
posed to disbelieve a truth, as glaring as the sun, and 
as certain as his own existence; but because the 
belief of a Deity is the foundation of all religion, and 
carries with it an obligation to be religious. 


The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Ps, xiv. 
1. Ro. i. 19, 20. Ps. xix. 1. Job xii. 7—10. Ac. xvii. 28. 

He that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he 
is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. He. xi. 6. 
Ps. lviii. 11. Jo. xvii. 3. 

If the Lord be God, follow him. 1 K. xviii. 21. Is. viii. 19. 
Jos. xxiv. 18. Jonah i. 6—9. Ge. xvii. 1. Ps. c. 3, 4. 


Q. What sort of being do you apprehend God to be? 


20 


JJ, A pure spiritual substance, without body, parts, 
Or passions; self-existent; being from and to all 
eternity ; unchangeable ; invisible, and yet present in 
all places; of unbounded wisdom and knowledge, 
power and faithfulness, holiness and justice, goodness 
and mercy ; and, in one word, a being eminently and 
absolutely perfect, but infinite and incomprehensible. 


God is a spirit. Jo. iv. 24. 2 Cor. iii. 17. Lu. xxiv. 39. 

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst 
formed the earth and the world: even from everlasting to ever- 
lasting, thou art God. Ps. xc. 2. Is. xli. 4. xliv. 6. Hab. i. 
12. Ps. lv. 19.- Pr. viii.'23.-25. Ro.:1, 20. Re. 1) 48: 

With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 
Ja.i. 17. Mal. iii. 6. Ps. cii. 26, 27. 

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light, which no 
man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see. 
Peiim. vi. 16: 1.7. Jo.1. 18 Ex. xxxiil, 20. De. tv. te. 

Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? 
can any hide himself in secret places that [ shall not see him? 
do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord. Jer. xxiii. 23, 
24. 1K. viii. 27. PS exxxix. 7—12. Am. ix. aE 

O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and know- 
ledge of God. Ro. xi. 33. Eph. i. 8. Jude 25. Ac. xv. 18. 
Da. ii. 22. 1 Chr. xxviii. 9. He: iv. 18. 

Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is 
infinite. Ps. exlvii. 5. cxv. 8. Jer. xxxii. 27. 

The Lord, thy God, he is God, the faithful God. De. vii. 9. 
Nu. xxiii. 19. 2 Tim. ii. 13. 2 Cor. i. 18. 

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts. Is. vi. 3. Re. iv. 8. 
Ps. v. 4. Hab.i. 13. 

A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. 
De. xxxil4ans. xiv. ZIPS. x17 xiv. 17. ere ene 

Thou art good, and dost good. Ps. cxix. 68. Mat. xix. 17. 
v.45. Ja. i. 5. 

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffer- 
ing, and abundant in goodness and truth. Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7. 
Ne. ix. 17. Ps. ciii. 8—13. Mi. vii. 18. 2 Pe. iii. 9. 

ITamthatI am. Ex. iii. 14. vi. 3. Ps. lxxxiii. 18. 

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out 
the Almighty unto perfection? Job. xi. 7. xxvi. 14. xxxvi. 
26. xxxvil. 23. Ps. cxxxix. 6. Ro. xi. 33. 1 Cor. ii. 9. Eph. 
iii. 18, 19. 


€). What does common sense require of men who 


21 


believe, that there is such a supreme and glorious 
being, in and over all the world? 

A. To magnify him with the highest admiration 
and esteem; to worship him in a manner suitable to 
his excellent nature, and, by all the ways we can, to 
promote his honour and glory; to behave, as always 
in his presence; to submit ourselves to his just and 
sovereign authority ; to seek the conduct of his un- 
searchable wisdom; to be conformable to him in 
purity and holiness, in justice and righteousness, in 
truth and faithfulness, in goodness and mercy; en- 
deavouring the recovery of that divine image in which 
we were created, but which we have lost; and to be 
as like God as we can, in all his imitable perfections. 


Bless the Lord your God for ever and ever; and blessed be 
thy glorious name which is exalted above all blessing and 
praise. Ne. ix.5. Ps. cxlviii. 11, 12,13. cxly. 1—5. Ixxxvi. 
12. Ixxxix. 5—8. Ro. xi. 36. 

We worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, 
and have no confidence in the flesh. Phi. ili. 3. Jo. iv. 24. 
He, xii. 28. 1 Cor. vi. 20. Ps. xcv. 6. xevi. 8. 

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by 
Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Phi.i. 11. 
1 Pe. ii. 12. iv. 11. 

I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies, for all my 
ways are before thee. Ps. cxix. 168. xvi. 8. Ge. xvii. 1. Pr. 
iii.6. Mat. vi. 4—6. Ez. ix. 9. 

Behold, here am I, let him do to me—as seemeth good unto 
him. 2S. xv. 26. 15S. iii. 18. Ps. xxxix. 9. Job. i. 21. 
Mat. xxvi. 39. 

Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. Le. 
Xix..2, xi. 44. 1'Pe-i..16. 1 Jo. iii.3. Mat. v. 8. 

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that 
doth righteousness is born of him. 1 Jo. ii. 29. iii. 7—10. 

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle: who shall dwell in 
thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh right- 
eousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. Ps. xv. 1, 2. 
Zec. viii:.16. Pr. xii. 17—19. 

Be ye merciful as your Father also is merciful. Lu. vi. 36. 
Eph. iv. 32. Col. ili. 12. 1 Jo. iii. 17. 

Put on the new man which after God is created in righteous- 
ness and true holiness. Eph. iv. 22, 23, 24. Col. ili. 10. Ge. 
1, 20,29. . Cor-xt: 7. 


22 


Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is 
perfect. Mat.v. 48. Eph.v.1. 2 Cor. iii. 18. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


Question. Can there. be more than one God of 
such infinite perfections as those mentioned in the 
foregoing chapter ? 

Answer. No, it is as contrary to reason as Scrip- 
ture, that there should be more than one living and 
true God, and therefore I am taught to say in this 
creed, I believe in God, not gods; and in the Nicene 
Creed, I believe in one God. It would bea palpable 
absurdity to suppose that there could be two beings 
each of whom was possessed of infinite power. 

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, 
and in youall. Eph. iv. 6. Is. xxxvii. 16. 1 Tim. ii. 5. Ja. 
il. 19. 

Q. But do you not believe, that in this unity of 
the Godhead there subsists a trinity of persons ? 

Al. Fhis I am obliged to believe; because the same 
scriptures which teach me, that there is but one God, 
one Lord, teach me also, that he is not one only per- 
son, but three persons in one substance. 

There are three that bear record in heaven; the Father, the 
Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three areone. 1Jo. v. 
7. Mat. xxviii. 19. 2 Cor. xili. 14. 1 Cor. xii. 4, 5, 6. 1 Pe. 
A Shes 

Q. Where else do you find this taught? 

Al. In all those passages which assign such attri- 
butes as can belong only to God, sometimes to a per- 
son called the Father, sometimes to a person called 
the Son, and sometimes to a person called the Holy 
Ghost. 

Q. Why is the first person in this Trinity called 
God the Father ? 


23 


A. Not only because the universe owing its ex- 
istence to him, he is the giver of life to all intelligent 
beings, but chiefly because he is, in a much superior 
respect, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ; and, 
through him, in a more peculiar manner than of the 
rest of mankind, the father of all true christians, 


The God of the spirits of all flesh. Nu. xvi. 22, xxvii. 16. 
He. i. 7. Is. Ixiv. 8. Ac. xvii. 29. 1 Cor. viii. 6. 1 Th.i. 1. 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
2 Cor. i. 3. Ro. xv.6. Eph. i.3. 1 Pe. i. 3. 

Ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry 
Abba, Father. Ro. viii. 15. Eph. i. 5. Jo. xx. 17. 


Q. What do you further believe concerning God 
the Father? 

A. That he is Almighty, Maker of Heaven and 
Earth ; or, in other words, that he hath an unlimited 
power of doing whatsoever he pleaseth, and did 
eminently exert this power in creating the heaven and 
earth, and all things therein ; and that as the sovereign 
Lord thereof, he hath ever since continued to preserve, 
and govern the world, by the same divine power, 
wisdom and goodness with which he made it. 


Abba, Father; all things are possible unto thee. Mar. xiv. 
36. Mat. xix. 26. Ps. Ixii. 11. Job xlii. 2. 

Lord God, behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth 
by thy great power and stretched out arm, and nothing is too 
hard for thee. Jer. xxxii. 17. Ge. i. 1. Ac. iv. 24. He. iii. 
4, Ec. iii. 11. He. xi. 3. Ps. xxxill.6—9. Ge. 1—3. 

God that made the world, and all things therein, he is Lord 
of heaven and earth. Ac. xvii. 24. Ps. xxiv. 1. Ixxxix. 1]. 
Ex. ix. 29. 

Thou, even thou, art Lord ‘alone: thou hast made heaven, 
’ the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all 
things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and 
thou preservest them all. Ne. ix. 6. He.i.3. Ac. xvii. 28. 
Ps. xxxvi. 6. civ. 27—31. Job vii. 20. Ge. xlv. 5—7. 25S. 
viii. 6. 14. : 

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his 
kingdom ruleth overall. Ps. ciii. 19. xciii. 1. xcvii. 1. xcix. 
1. Ac. xvii. 25, 26, 27. Eph. i. 11. Ps. exxvii. 1, 2,3. Ixxv. 
6,7. Am. iii..6. iy. 6,7. Ex, xxi. 13., Pf xxi. $1. xvi. 33. 


24 


xix, 21. xvi. 9. xx. 24. Ex. xx. 5,6, 7—12.. Mat. vi. 9—13. | 
vii. 7—11. 
@. What influence should this belief have upon us ? 

A. It should engage us to pay him the love and 
obedience of children to their heavenly Father; the 
homage and worship due from creatures to their great 
Creator; and, at all times, and in all cases, to confide 
in his all-sufficient power and never failing providence, 
and unchangeable promises. 

If I be a father, where is mine honour? saith the Lord of 
hosts. Mal. i. 6. 1 Jo. iii. 10. Jo. viii. 41. 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and 
power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure 
they are, and were created, Re.iv. 11. v. 13. Ex. xx. 11. 
Ps. xlv. 12. xcv. 6. 

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and 
earth. Ps. exxiv. 8. cxxi. 1, 2. Ixii. 7,8. xxvii. 1—3. Is. 
Xxvl. 4. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them 
shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not 
therefore ; ye are of more value than many sparrows. Mat. x. 
29, 30, 31.. vi. 25—34. 1 Cor. x. 13. :2 Pe. i1..9. Ps. xxxvil. 
23, 24—28. Pr. iii. 5,6. Ro. viii. 28. Ps.iv.8. iii. 5. cxxti. 
3—8. Is. xliii. 2. 


CHAPTER IX. 


Question. Is it not sufficient to believe the first 
Article of the Creed, unless we also believe the second, 
and what follows thereupon ? 

Answer. The bare belief of a God will not be 
sufficient for any, to whom that God hath plainly 
signified it to be his will and pleasure, that they 
should believe in Jesus Christ, as the only means of 
obtaining his favour. 


This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he 
hath sent. Jo. vi. 29. xiv. 1. 1 Jo. iii. 23. v. 13. 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh 
unto the Father, but by me. Jo. xiv. 6. vi. 40. ili. 14—18. 
viii. 24. xv. 6. Ac. xvi. 31. 1Jo. v.12. Ac. iv, 12. 


¢ 
: 


+ 


25 


Q. Has the natural belief in the being of a God 
ever proved suflicient in any nation or age to lead men 
to do his will? 

A. No; men fall into all sorts of follies, and cor- 
ruptions, and idolatries, until they come to the know- 
ledge of God as revealed in the Bible ; a God reconcil- 
ing sinners to himself by Jesus Christ ; and constrain- 
ing them to cultivate holiness by higher motives than 
unenlightened reason can furnish. 

@. What is the import of the name Jesus? 

A. It signifies Saviour, and denotes that salvation, 
which the Son of God came into the world on purpose 
to bring to sinners. 


Thou shalt call his name Jesus : for he shall save his people 
from their sins. Mat.i. 21, Lu. ii. 11. Ac. xiii. 23. 1 Tim. 
t. 15. 1 Jo. iv. 14. 

Q. How and in what respect is Jesus a Saviour ? 

A. By virtue of a covenant in our behalf with God 
the Father, he delivers us from the greatest evils to 
which we can be exposed in time and in eternity. 

Q. What are those? 

4. He saves us from the guilt and punishment of 
our sins, and hath made our peace with, and recon- 
ciled us to God; he saves us from the dominion and 
commission of the sins themselves, and he will at last 
bestow eternal life and happiness upon all them, who, 
forsaking those sins, do sincerely obey him. 

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the 
forgiveness of sins. Col. i. 14. Mat. xxvi. 28. Ac.x.43. v. 
30, 31. 1 Th. i. 10. 

God hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 
v. 18, 19, 20. Ro. v. 10. Col. i. 20, 21, 22. 

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all 
iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of 
good-works. Tit. ii. 14d—11, 12,13. Ro. viii. J, 2. Eph. ii. 
10. 2 Pe. i. 4—8. 

Being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye 
have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 
For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal 


+ al 


26 


“fo, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Ro. vi. 22, 23. Jo. vi. 


402x510. 28. 1 Pe. 1..3, 44)4 Jo. i. 25. 
He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that 
obey him. He.v.9. Is. lv. 3. Ro. ii. 6—10. 2 Th. i. 7, 8. 


CHAPTER X. 


Question. What do you mean by adding Christ to 
the name Jesus ? 

Answer. 1 do hereby profess my belief, that this 
same Jesus is the Christ, or, according to the mean- 
ing of that word, the anointed one, whom the Jews 
styled the Messiah ; and that as, in the Old Testament, 
prophets, priests and kings were anointed with oil 
to their respective offices, so by the unction typified 
thereby, namely, that of the Spirit of God, was this 
Jesus consecrated to be a prophet, a priest, and a 
king, in order to his perfecting our salvation. 

We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, 
the Christ. Jo.i. 41. iv. 25. 

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and 
with power. Ac. x. 38. iv. 27. Lu.iv. 18. Jo. iii. 34. Col. 
il. 3. 

Q. Why do you believe the person, known chiefly 
by the name of Jesus when,he was upon the earth, to 
be the expected Messiah, in whom all those great 
offices were to centre ? 

A. Because the Scripture expresly asserts him to 
be so; and because it is therein abundantly manifest, 
that all the ancient prophecies relating to the first 
coming of the Messiah, were fulfilled in him. 

This Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Ac. xvii. 
3. 11. 36. ix. 22. Mat. xvi. 16. Jo. vi. 69. 1 Jo.v. 1. 

He expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading 
them concerning Jesus, both out of the Law of Moses, and 
out of the prophets. Ac. xxviii. 23. xxvi. 6. Lu. xxiv. 25, 
27. Jo. i. 45. Ge. iii. 15. xxii. 18. xxvi. 4. xlix. 10 De. 
xviii 15. Ps. xvi. 10. xxii. cxxxii. 11. Is. vii. 14. ix. 6. 


27 


Ser: xxiii: 6. Ez. xxxiv.;23, 24. -Da. ix», 24. Mr. vil. 202 »& 
Hag. ii. 7. Mal. iii. 1. 

Q. Does your faith in Jesus, as the Christ, rest 
wholly upon this proof? 

l. No: I am further confirmed therein by audible 
testimonies from heaven, and by the attestation of an 
extraordinary prophet, sent on purpose into the 
world, to prepare his way, and bear witness to him. 

Lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved son, 
in whom I am well pleased. Mat. iii. 17. xvii. 5. 2 Pe. i. 
17, 18. 

John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the 
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Jo. 
2p. 6. 40, 30/36. Mat. ii: 1). Jo..iit.. 26, &e: vi $3: 
Lu. ii. 25—38, 

@. But how did Jesus himself prove that he was 
the Christ ? | 

4. By working miracles, and empowering his 
disciples to do the same in his name; by leading the 
most holy life, and preaching the most heavenly 
doctrine ; and by making good his promise of rising 
again from the dead, and of sending down the Holy 
Ghost upon his apostles, to lead them into all truth, 
and to enable them with boldness, and in all languages, 
to preach the gospel, and diffuse it into all countries. 

Ihave greater witness than that of John: for the works 
which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that 
I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hathsent me. Jo. v. 
36... x. '25—37,38. xv: 24.. Mat. xi. 4, 5. 

In my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with 
new tongues, they shall take up serpents and if they drink any 
deadly thing it shall not hurt them, they shall lay hands on 
the sick, and they shall recover. Mar. xvi. 17,18. Ac. ii. 43. 
vi. 8. xv. 12. 1 K. xvii. 24. 

Which of you convinceth me of sin. Jo. viii. 46. He. vii. 
26.1 Pe. ii. 22. 

My doctrine is not mine; but his that sent me. Jo. vii. 16, 
17, 18. 1 Tim. iii. 16. 

Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 
Jo. ii. 19. Mat. xvi. 21. xx. 19.. Ac. xvii. 31, 


28 


Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days rl 


hence. Ac.i. 4—5. Lu. xxiv. 49. 


When the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all 
- 


truth. Jo. xvi. 13. xiv. 26. Lu. xxi. 15. 


They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake : 


the word of God with boldness. Ac. iv. 13. 31, xiv. 3. 
Mat. x. 26, 27. 

They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to 
speak with other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance. 
Ac. ii. 4°12. 1 Cor. xii. 10. 28. Is. xliv. 3. Joel 11. 28. 
Mar. xvi. 17. 

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every 
creature,—and they went forth and preached every where, the 
Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs 
following. Mar. xvi. 15—20. Mat. xxiv. 14. Jo. xii. 31, 32, 
1 Tim. iii. 16. 

Q. What is the result of all these considerations 
put together ? 

A. That the christian faith is built upon such good 
grounds as to leave no just pretence or excuse for 
infidelity. 

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which 
at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed 
unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them wit- 
ness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, 
and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will. He. 
ii. 3,4. Jo. vi. 68, 69. xvi. 30. Lu. vii. 22, 23. 


CHAPTER XI. 


Question. Which are those offices, denoted by the 
word Christ, to which you said Jesus was anointed ? 
inswer. Those three great ones of Prophet, Priest, 
and King. 
This is of a truth that prophet, that should come into the 
world. Jo. vi. 14. Mat. xxi. 11. Lu. vii. 16. xxiv. 19. 
Called of God an high priest, after the order of Melchisedeck. 
He. v. 10.6. iii. 1, “vii. 28. vill. ac Ps,'cx:'4." Ge. aie 38, 
He hath on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, 
King of kings, and Lord of lords. Re. xix. 16. Ps, ii. 6. 


——— rl st 


29 


ere ig) Misvbeexii. 724 Mates Tat ity 4 vitae) 14 Lut 
i. 32, 33. xix. 38. xxiii. 3. Jo. xii. 15. xviii. 36, 37. Ac. v: 
31. 


@. How did Jesus execute those offices ? 

1. As a Prophet, he foretold future events, and 
revealed the whole will of God, concerning the sal- 
vation of mankind; as a Priest, he made atonement 
for sins, and continually intercedeth for sinners; and 


asa King, he doth govern and protect his church, 


will in due time destroy his enemies, and reward his 
faithful servants. 


Behold, I have foretold you all things. Mar. xiii. 23. Lu, 
xix. 43, 44. xxi. 24. Mat. xxiv. 11. Jo. xxi. 18—22. 

The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed 
me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal 
the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and 
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are 
bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Lu. iv. 
18, 19. 15, 22, 32. Mat. vii. 28, 29. Mar. vi. 2. Jo. xv. 15. 

Now once in the end of the world, hath he appeared to put 
away sin by the sacrifice of himself. He. ix. 26. 11.17. Ro. 
vy. 11. Eph. v. 2. He. vil. 26, 27. 

He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God 
by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 
He. vii. 25. iv. 15. Ac. ill. 26. 

Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and 
ever ; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 
He. i. 8. Is. ix. 7. Mat. xxviii. 18, 19, 20. xvi. 18. 

He must reign, till he bath put all enemies under his feet. 
1 Cor. xv. 25, 26. Heb. ii. 14. Re. xx. 14. Jo. xil. 31. 1 Jo. 
Mis. Lu. x. 18. 

My reward is with me, to give every man according as his 
work shall be. Re. xxii. 12. Eph. vi. 8. Mat. xxv. 34. 


Q. What duties are we hereby obliged to? 

A. To hearken diligently to this infallible prophet, 
and place an implicit faith in him; to be so truly 
penitent for our sins, that we may be entitled to the 
benefit of the sacrifice and mediation of this high 
priest ; and to be such loyal, obedient subjects to this 
almighty king, that we may never feel the dreadful 
effects of his indignation. 


g* 


30 


Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord 
your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; 
him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto 
you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will 
not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the peo- 
ple. Ac. iii. 22, 23. vii.37. De. xviii. 18, 19." He. ii. {, 2, 3. 
xii. 25. Lu. x. 16. 

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through 
the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge 
your conscience from dead works, to serve the living God. 
He. ix. 14. iv. 14. x. 21. 22. 

Those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign 
over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Lu. xix. 
27.°-Ps. ii 9: ex. 2—5, 6:~ Re. 11) 27. “xix. 15 Low. 2775. 


CHAPTER. XII. 


Question. What do you believe concerning Jesus 
Christ, with respect to his more immediate relation to 


God? 

Answer. That he is the Son, and the only Son of 
God, not made or created like other beings, but, by an 
inexplicable generation, begotten of the Father before 
all worlds, even from everlasting, having by such 
eternal generation, the divine nature so fully commn- 
nicated to him that he is God of God, Light of Light, 
very God of very God, of one substance with the 
Father. 

We believe, and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son 
of the living God. Jo. vi. 69. Mar. i. 11. Ac. ix. 20. Lu.i. 
35: Ro. i. 4.. He..1. 2. 

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, 
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. Jo. iii. 16.1. 18. 1Jo.iv.9. 

Unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my 
Son, this day have I begotten thee. He.i.5. Jo. v. 26. 

Who shall declare his generation. Is. lili. 8. He. vil. 3. 
Mat. xi. 27. 

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, 
with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 
Jo. xvii. 5.,i. 2,8. Eph. iii. 9. Col. 1.°16, 17, 


ol 


I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first 
and the last. Re. xxii. 13. i. LI—17. 11.8. Mic. v. 2. Jo. i. 
a. 2; 
In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Col. 
9. i, 19,. Farry 14, 

The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his 
person. He. i. 3. 2 Cor. iv. 4. Col. i. 15. 

I and my Father are one. Jo. x. 30—38. xvii. 11—21. 
1 Jo. v. 7—20. 


@. What is the conclusion necessarily resulting 
from this account of the divine nature of Jesus Christ ? 

A. That this everlasting Son of the Father is equal 
to the Father, as touching his Godhead. And I am 
further confirmed in this faith by those Scriptures 
which ascribe to him, ina manner appropriate and 
peculiar to God, the name, the attributes, the works, 
the worship, and the honour of God: all or any of 
which it would be unlawful so to ascribe to him, 
were not the glory of the Son the same with that of 
the Father, without any difference or inequality. — 


Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be 
equal with God. Phi. ii. 6. Jo. x. 33—36. v.18. Lu. XXil. 
a0, 1... 30. Xix. 7. X28, 29.g:xr aa D: 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with 
God, and the Word was God. Jo. i. 1. xx. 28. Ac. xx. 28. 
Ro. 1x. 5.) Tim. 11%. 16. “Mat. 1.23% Is. ix. 6, 

Lord thou knowest all things. Jo. xxi. 17. ii. 25. xvi. 30. 
Lu. vi. 8. Re. ii. 23. Mat. xviii. 20. xxviii. 20. Jo. iii. 13. 
Ebe- 1. 41,°12> 2113.” Re. 158: 

All things were created by him, and for him. And he is 
geo all things, and by him all thingsconsist. Col. i. 16, 17. 
Jo. i. 3—5: 10, He. i.3. Jo. iii 17. Is, Ixiii. 1. Lu. v.> 
20, 21. Jo. v.17—21. vi.40. xv. 26. 1 Cor.i. 4. Phi. iv. 13. 

‘And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, 
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Ac. vil. 59. 1Cor. i. 2. 2 Th. 
ii. 16,17. Lu. xxiv. 52. Jo.xiv. 1. ix. 38. Ps.ii.12. Hei. 6. 
» All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the 
Father. Jo. v. 23. Re. v. 13. compared with iv. 11. 

I am the Lord, thatis my name, and my glory will I not give 
to another. Is. xlii. 8. 1 Cor. ii. 8. Ps. xxiv. 10. Is. v1.3. 
Mat. iv. 10. Ex. xx. 3—5. 


Q. Upon what account do yor oNm Jesus Christ, 
his only son, for our Lord? 


32 


A. If he be our Saviour, our Prophet, our Priest, 
our King, and more especially our God, he must 
necessarily be our Lord: but I do here acknowledge 
him to be, in a peculiar manner, our Lord, as having 


redeemed and purchased us with his blood. 

God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, 
both Lord and Christ. Ac. 1i. 36. x. 36. Tit. ii. 14. Lu. ii. 
11, Ro. xiv.9. Eph.iv.5. 1 Cor. viii.6. vi.20. Re.xvii. 14. 

Q@. What duties do you learn from hence ? 

Al. To give Jesus Christ all that homage and obedi- 
ence, which is due to him as the Son of God, and our 
Lord; and as such, to conform to his example in 
whatsoever he hath proposed himself to our imitation. 

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in 
heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and 
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the 
glory of God the Father. Phi. ii. 10, 11. He.i. 6. 

Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I 
say. Lu.vi. 46. Mat. vii. 21. Mal. i. 6. 

Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; forsoI am. 
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye 
ought also to wash one another’s feet. Jo. xiii. 13—16. Lu. 
Xx. 25, 26,27. Mat. xxiii. 8. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


Question. What do you profess to believe in the 
Third Article? 

Answer. That for the redemption of mankind the 
Son of God was incarnate, and condescended to 
become the son of man: the whole human nature 
being, assumed by him, and so closely united to the 
divine that he became God and Man in one person. 


When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, 
made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that 
were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of 
sons. Gal. iv. 4,5. He. ii. 9. 14, 15. 17. 1 Cor. xv. 22. 


33 


The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. Mat. 
Kviii. 11.° Lu. ix. 56. Mat. xvi. 13. xii. 40. xvii. 9. 

The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Jo. i. 14. 
He. ii. 16. Ge. iii. 15. Ac. ii. 22. xvil.31. 1Tim.ii.5. 1Cor. 
xv. 21. 47: 1 Jo, iv..2, 3. Lu. xxiii. 46. xxiv.39. He.iv.15. » 

Of whom, (that is, the Israelites) as concerning the flesh, 
Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. 
Ro. ix. 5. 1 Tim. iii. 16. He. vi. 6. Phi. ii. 8. 1 Cor.ii 2 
Ac. xx. 28. 1 Jo. iii. 16. Lu. xx. 41—44. Jo. i. 15—30. 


@. How was the manhood united with God? 

A. He was made man of the substance of his mother, 
a virgin, called Mary, of the family of David, by the 
sole operation of the Holy Ghost, and in due time, by 
this miraculous process, he was, of this blessed wo- 
man, at Bethlehem, born into the world without spot 
of sin, to make us clean from all sin. 


All this was done that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken 
of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be 
with child, and shall bring forthason. Mat. i. 22,23. Is. vii. 
14. Jer. xxxi. 22. Mat. 1.18. Lu. i. 34. ii. 5. 

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin espoused 
to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; 
and the virgin’s name was Mary. Lu. i. 26, 27—32. Mat. 
xxi. 9. xxii. 42. Ac. xiii. 23. Ro. i. 3. Ps. Ixxxix. 35. 36, 
37. cxxxii. 11. Ge. xlix. 10. Is. xi. 1—10. Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. 

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the 
highest shall overshadow thee. Lu. i. 35—38. Mat. i. 20. 
Ke. xi. 5. . 

Blessed is she that believed ; for there shall be a performance 
of those things which were told her from the Lord. Lu.i. 45, 
28—42, 48—48. xi. 27, 28. 

While they were there, (at Bethlehem,) the days were 
accomplished that she should be delivered; and she brought 
forth her first-born son. Lu. ii. 6,7. Mat. i. 25. ii. 1—4, 5, 
6. Mi. v. 2. Jo. vii. 42. 

That holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called 
the Son of God. Lu. i. 35. 1 Jo. iii. 5. 2 Cor. v. 21. 1 Pe. 
ii. 22. 

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 
fJoui.% 1Pe.i,.19., He. ix. 145, Re.1, 5, 


@. What doctrinal inference is especially to be 
noted from this Article thus expounded ? 
A. That our Lord Jesus Christ is inferior to the 


34 


Father as touching his manhood, and offices, and to 
these are to be referred all the passages of Scripture 
which represent him as subject to suffering and death. 

My Father is greater thanI. Jo. xiv. 28. Lu. vi.12. Mar. 
xiii. 32. He. ii. 9. Mat. xi. 19. xx. 18, 19. Mar. ix. 9. 

@. What influence ought his incarnation to have 
upon our hearts and lives ? 

1. It should engage us, with all possible joy and 
gratitude, to admire and magnify the amazing good- 
ness of the Son of God in thus taking upon him our 
flesh ; to follow the example of his great humility, 
and to beseech God that we being regenerate, and 
made his children by adoption and grace, may daily 
be renewed by his Holy Spirit. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the 
heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the 
highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. Lu. ii. 
135°14,°10, "LU cIsix, 223). xxxvi/l,2.o-xiii.10 Adie 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 
who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be 
equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took 
upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness 
of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled 
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the 
cross. Phi. ii. 5—8. 2 Cor. viii. 9. Mat. xi. 29. 

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 


God. Jo. iii. 8—5, 6,7. i. 12,13. Ro. viii. 9,10. Gal. iv. 
19. 1Jo.v.1. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


Question. What do you profess to believe in the 
Fourth Article? 

Answer. That the Son of God, in that human 
nature which, he assumed, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, and descended 
into hell. 

Q. What is the full import of this Article ? 


. 
! 


35 


4. That the blessed Jesus, as the prophets had 
foretold, after he had undergone other inexpressible 
sufferings in both soul and body, was unjustly con- 
demned to the death of crucifixion by Pontius Pilate, 
the Roman governor of Judea, and being accordingly 
nailed upon a cross, he there did, with an admirable 
patience and devotion, endure the bitter and ignomi- 
nious misery till he gave up the ghost and died, and 
so redeemed us from the curse of the law, and offered 
up himself, as a sacrifice to God, for the sins, and in 
the stead of all mankind. 


Those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of 
all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 
Ac. 11, 18.,\ Lu. xxiv. 25, 26; 27. 1 Pe..i..10; 11.. Is; hii. 8; 
8—10. 1.6. Da. ix. 24—26. Jo. iii. 14. . 

My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. Mat. 
xxvi. 38. Jo. xii. 27. Lu. xxil. 41—44. 

Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers 
platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head. Jo. xix. 1, 
2. Mat. xxvii. 26—31. 

I have examined him before you, have found no fault in this 
man; no, nor yet Herod. Lu. xxiii. 14, 15. 22,41. Mat. 
xxvii. 24. Jo. xix.6., xv. 25. 2 Cor. v. 21. 

Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barrabas unto 
them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be 
erucified. Mar. xv. 15. Lu. xxiii. 24, 25. 

And they crucified him. Mat xxvii. 35. Lu. xxiii. $3. 
Ac. wWanu,, keod. Ps. xxu./16.. Jou xx, 25. 

Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, 
despising the shame. He. xii. 2. Mat. xxvii. 38, 39. Lu. 
xxill. 39. Jo. xix. 26—28. Lu. xxiii. 34, 42, 43. Mat. xxvii. 
46. 

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, 
into thy hands I commend my spirit, and having said thus, he 
gave up the ghost. Lu. xxill. 46. Mat. xxvii. 50. Mar. xv. 
37. Jo. xix. 30. Ro. v. 6—8. He. ix. 14, 15. 

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being 
made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that 
hangeth on a tree. Gal. iii. 13.10. De. xxi. 23. xxvii. 26. 
Ro. viii. 3. 

’ This man offered one sacrifice for sins. He. x. 12. 8, 11. 
me 2241'Cor, v. 7.,.xvos. Is, liit.. 5,.6, &c. 


36 


_ Who gave himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim.ii. 6. Mat. xx. 
28. He. ii. 9. ix. 28. 1 Jo. ii. 1, 2: 


Q. Which was the next and last stage of our 
Saviour’s humiliation ? 

fl. After their actual separation, his ‘body was 
decently interred, and his soul went to the place of 
departed spirits, both continuing in that state of death 
till their re-union at his resurrection. 

Pilate calling unto him the centurion asked him whether he 
had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the cen- 
turion he gave the body to Joseph. Mar. xv. 44, 45. Jo. xix. 
33, 34. 

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a 
clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he 
had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the 
door of the sepulchre, and departed. Mat. xxvii. 59, 60. Jo. 
xix. 39—42. 1 Cor. xv. 4. Is. liii. 9. 

David speaketh concerning him, Thou wilt not leave my 
soulinhell. Ac. ii. 25—27. Ps. xvi. 10. Lu. xxiii. 42, 43. 
1 Pe. iii. 19. Ro. x.7. Eph. iv. 9. Lu. xvi. 23—25. 

Q. What return ought we to make for the stupen- 
dous kindnesses manifested in all this ? 

l. Even to give up ourselves entirely to the ser- 
vice of this dear Redeemer, always remembering his 
exceeding great love in dying for us, and glorying 
above all things in the cross of Christ. 

The love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, 
that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth 
live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them. 
2 Cor. v. 14, 15. 1 Pe. i. 17, 18, 19. Ro. xiv. 7, 8. 1 Cor. vi. 
20. 1 Th. v. 10. 

This is my body which is broken for you: this do in re- 
membrance of me. Lu. xxii. 19, 20. 1 Cor. xi. 26. 

God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I 
. unto the world. Ga. vi. 14. 1 Cor. i, 23, 24. ii. 2. 

@. What more particularly are we to do, in pursu- 
ance of the great end and design of this dying love ? 

1. To detest and forsake those sins which brought 
upon the Son of God so great suffering, and to rest 


37 


assured of the pardon of them, if forsaken, through 
the merits of his sacrifice; in no case to distrust God’s 
goodness, after such an instance of it, in giving his. 
Son to die for us; to be more easily reconciled, than 
we are apt to be, to a state of affliction ; and to follow 
the pattern our Lord hath set us of an exemplary 
patience, resignation, and charity. 


Who, his own self, bear our sins in his own body on the 
tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness, 
by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Pe. ii. 24. iv.1,2. Ro. 
vi. 6,10, 11. Ga. ii. 20. Tit. ii. 14. 

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died. Ro. 
Vili. 34—89. iv. 25, vii. 24, 25. . 

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for 
us all; how shall he not with him also freely give us all 
things? Ro. viii.32. Mat. vi. 33. 2 Pe. i. 3. 

It became him, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make 
the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. He. 
ii. 10. v. 8,9. Phi. ii. 8. Mat. xvi. 24. 

Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should 
follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in 
his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; 
when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself 
to him that judgeth righteously. 1 Pe. ii. 21, 22, 23. Jo: 
Vili. 48, 49. xviii. 22, 23. Is. lili. 7. 

Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: never- 
theless, not my will, but thine be done. Lu. xxii. 42. Jo. 
xii. 27. v. 30, vi. 38. é 

This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have 
loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man 
lay down his life for his friends. Jo. xv. 12, 13. xiii. 34. 
1 Jo. iii. 16. iv. 11. Eph. v. 2. 


CHAPTER XV. 


Question. If Jesus of Nazareth was put to death 
asa malefactor, because he pretended to be Christ, 
the Son of God, how came it to pass that christianity 
was not forever buried with him. 


4 


38 


Answer. Because, as I profess to believe in the fifth 
article, that same Jesus, who died and was buried, 
and whose soul descended into hell, having his soul 
and body re-united, by his own divine power, did 
revive and come to life again, upon the third day from 
his death and burial, and so rose the self-same man, 
as he was before he died, thereby giving a full 
demonstration of his victory over death, and a con- 
vincing testimony of the truth of his religion. 

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my 
life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, 
but I lay it down of myself: I have power to lay it down, and 
I have power to take it again. This commandment have I 
received of my Father. Jo. x. 17, 18. ii. 19, 21. v. 19, 26. 

Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore- 
knowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have 
crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed 
the pains of death, because it was not possible he should be 
holden of it. Ac. ii. 23, 24. xiii. 30. xvii.31. Ga.i.1. He. 
xili. 20. 

He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. 
1 Cor. xv. 4.. Ps. xvi. 10. Ac. ii. 31. xiil. 34—37. Mat. xii. 
40. xvi. 21. Lu. xxiv. 46. ~ 

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Lu. xxiv. 
$9, |>.J0. 3X. 20,077. Reais 18: 

Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death 
hath no more dominion overhim. Ro. vi.9. Re. i. 18. iv. 9, 
10. 1 Cor. xv. 55, 57. 

Declared to be the Son of God, with power, according to 
the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Ro. 
1.4. 1 Cor. xv. 17. 


@. What grounds of assurance have you that the 
third day he rose again from the dead ? 

4. Christ’s resurrection is evident, beyond all 
contradiction, from the supernatural removal of the 
stone, and the emptiness of the sepulchre; from the 
absence of power in his followers, and of inclination 
in his foes to deceive the world, if he had not risen; 
from the affirmation of angels; the confession of 
enemies; and the attestation of faithful witnesses, 


39 


who had such infallible proofs of his being alive that 
they sealed the truth thereof with their blood; and 
God himself confirmed their testimony, by the effu- 
sion of the Holy Ghost upon them, and by the mira- 
cles he empowered them to do in the name of Christ. 


Upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, 
they came to the sepulchre. And they found the stone rolled 
away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found 
not the body of the Lord Jesus. Lu. xxiv. 1, 2, 3, 12. Mat. 
xxviii. 2. Mar. xvi. 4. Jo. xx. 1—8. 

And when they found not his body, they came saying, that 
they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was 
alive. Lu. xxiv. 23, 4—7. Mat. xxviii. 5,6,7. Mar. xvi. 
5, 6, 7. 

Some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the 
chief priests all the things that were done. Mat. xxviii. 1l— 
a4, 2,3, 4. Ac: ix. 4, 6; xxvi. 14; 15, 22, 28. ,.¥ Cor. xvi 8, 9. 

He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he 
was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. After that 
he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of 
all he was seen of me. 1 Cor. xv. 5—8. Mat. xxviii. 9. 
Lu. xxiv. 10. Jo. xx. 18. Ac. i. 8, 22. ii. 32. iii. 15, xiii. 31. 

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly ; 
not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, 
even to us, who did eat and drink with him, after he rose from 
the dead. Ac. x, 40, 41.1.3. Mat. xxviii. 9. Mar. xvi. 9, 
12,14. Lu. xxiv. 13—31, 36—43. Jo. xx. 18, 19, 20; 26, 
27, 28. xxi. 1—14. 1Jo.i.1, 2,3. Ac. vii. 56. 

I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness 
of Jesus, and for the word of God. Re. xx. 4. vi. 9. i. 9. 

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all wit- 
nesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, 
and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy 
Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 
Ac. ii..32, 38. v. 32.1. 4,5. Lu. xxiv. 49. 

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, 
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye cru- 
cified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him doth 
this man stand here before you whole. Ac. iv. 10, 33. iii. 16, 
v. 12,15, 16. Jo. xiv. 12. Heb. ii. 4. 1 Jo. v. 9. 


@. Why was so great care taken to give such 
unexceptionable proofs of Christ’s resurrection, 


AO 


Al. That we might rest fully satisfied that our justi- 
fication was completed by him, and that we also shall 
rise again as he did. : 

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again 
for our justification. Ro. iv. 25, vili. 34. 

If we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them 
also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Th. iv. 
14. 1 Cor. xv. 20, &c. Lev. xxiii. 10,11. Ro. xi. 16. viii. 
11... Col. i. 18. .Re.i.5. 1 Pe. i.3. 4. 

Q. And is not the duty likewise, as well as the 
comfort of a christian, closely connected with this 
article. 

Al. Yes: Christ’s resurrection is a most powerful 
engagement upon us to lead holy and virtuous lives, 
and particularly to set apart the first day of the week, 
the day on which he rose, to the honour and service 
of this great Redeemer. 


We are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as 
Christ was raised up from the dead, by the glory of the 
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Ro. 
vi. 4,10, 11. Col. ii. 12. Eph. v.14. 2 Cor. v. 15. 

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice 
and be glad in it. Ps. cxviii. 24. Mar. xvi. 9. Re.1i. 10. 
Ac. xx: 7.2 Gor. xvi, 22. 2 Tim: it, 8; 


CHAPTER XVI. 


Question. What is the import of the sixth article, 
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right 
hand of God, the Father Almighty. 

Answer. That that Jesus, who died and rose again, 
after a personal intercourse with his disciples for 
forty days, to convince them of the reality of his 
resurrection, and to give them directions for gather- 
ing and governing his church, was, in their sight, 
taken up from the earth, and carried through the air, — 


Al 


to that high and holy place called heaven, where he 
did take up his perpetual habitation, and in return for 
his humiliation and sufferings, is advanced to the 
highest degree of honour and glory, and, for the wel- 
fare and benefit of his church, vested with supreme 
power and absolute dominion over all things. 


He was taken up, and after that he, through the Holy 
Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles, whom he 
had chosen. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his 
passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty 
days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of 
God. Ac. -1.-2; 8.-'Mat.- xviii 19, 20%-"Mfar. xvi.' 15—18. 
Lu. xxiv, 44—49. Jo. xx. 21, 22, 23. xxi. 15, 16, 17. ° 

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, 
he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 
And they looked steadfastly toward heaven, as he went up. 
Ac. 1.9, 10, 11, 217 223"-La’xxiv. 51. | Jo. tii. 13. 

He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand 
of God. Mar. xvi. 19. Lu. xx. 42. Ac. vii. 55, 56. Eph. 
v1, ceaakxi¥. «.. Deb. ix bate. Jo. ili. 15. 

This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, forever 
sat down on the right hand of God. Heb. x. 12. viii. 3. Ps. 
ex. 1,4. Ac. iii. 21. re 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him 
_a name which is above every name. Phi. ii. 9. Heb. i. 3, 4. 
Wu. 26, Vill. 1. Xi. 2.) Re, xxii: 1. Jouxviters. oD. 

He raised him from the dead; and set him at his own right 
hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and 
power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is 
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to 
come: and hath also put all things under his feet, and gave 
him to be the head over all things to the church. Eph. i. 20, 
21, 22. Mat. xxvi. 64. Mar. xiv. 62. Lu. xxii. 69. Jo. vy. 
27. Ro. xiv. 9. Ac. li, 34,35. Mat. xxii. 43, 44. Heb. 
1.°13.+'1 Pet. ii) 22... Cols ii. 10% Ac. v.31... 1 Cor. xv. 25. 


@. What special advantages do accrue to us from 
thence? 

1. Our Redeemer being thus seated at the right 
hand of God, in the glory of the Father, sent down 
the Holy Ghost to supply his bodily absence, continu- 
ally mediates and intercedes for all true believers, and 


4* 


AZ 


prepares mansions of joy and bliss for them, suitable 
to their respective deserts. 


It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not 
away, the Comforter will not come tnto you; but if I depart, 
T will send him unto you. Jo. xvi. 7. xiv. 16, 17. vii. 39. 
Eph. iv. 8. Ps. Ixviii. 18. 

Christ is entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the 
presence of God for us. Heb. ix. 24. and vii. 25. Ro. viii. 
64.4 Lim: 11,15, 01 Jo, u, 1. ish: 12. 

In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not 
so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. 
Jo. xiv. 2,3. Heb. vi. 20. Eph. ii. 5,6. Jo. xvii. 24. Mar. 
x. 40. 1 Cor. xv. 41. 


Q. What engagements does all this lay us under. 

4. To obey and trust in him, who hath all power 
in heaven and earth; to address ourselves to God 
only through the merits and mediation of this advo- 
cate, as for all things we stand in need of, so espe- 
cially, for the graces and comforts of his Spirit; and 
having withdrawn our affections from this world, and 
raised them up after him to heaven to prepare our- 
selves for the enjoyment of that happiness Christ 
hath provided for us. 

“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of 
God.) 'l-Peiv..17) 2 Cor. x: 679°2'Thid. & 

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe 
alsoinme. Jo. xiv. 1. Mat. xxviil. 18. Heb. vi. 19. vii. 25. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever, ye shall ask the 
Father in my name, he will give it you: ask, and ye shall 
receive, that your joy may be full. Jo. xvi. 23, 24. xiv. 138, 
14. Mat. vii. 11. Heb. xiii. 15. 

If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are 
above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set 
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 
Gol. iii. 1, 2. | Mat. vi. 20. xiii. 44, 45, 46.. 2 Cor vol) 2, 
iv. 18) 

Our conversation is in heaven, from-whence also we look 
for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phi. iii. 20. Mat. 
Xxv. 10. Heb. iv. 11. Re. iii. 21. 


A3 


CHAPTER XVII. 


Question. How long will our Saviour continue his 
mediation and intercession for us, at the right hand of 
God? 

Answer. Till from thence he shall come to judge 
the quick and the dead. 
He shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto 


you : whom the heavens must receive, until the times of res- 
titution of all things. Ac. iii. 20, 21. 


Q. What truths are contained in this seventh 
article ? 

A. These two important ones: Ist. That there is 
a judgment to come after this life; and 2d. That the 
person commissioned by God to be the judge of that 
last assize is our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the 


judgment. Heb. ix. 27. vi. 2. Ec. iii. 17. xi. 9. Jude, 6. 
Ge. iv. 7. 


We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; 
that every one may receive the things done in his body, 
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 
2 Cor. v. 10... Mat. xvi. 27... Jo. v..22, 27.. Ro. xiv.,10.. . 

Q. Are you able to give any account of the 
manner of proceeding in the administration of this 
judgment ? | 

A. Yes: we are told, not the very time, but that a 
time will come, when the present frame and state of 
this sublunary world shall be dissolved; and that 
then our great Redeemer, in his hunian glorified 
nature, shall descend from heaven, with the most 
awful and glorious solemnity, to call all that shall be 
then alive, and all that have died from the beginning 
of the world to that day, to a full account of all 
their designs, words, and actions, and that after a just 
and impartial, but equitable and candid trial, he will 
pronounce the final sentence, first upon the righteous, 


A4 


of absolution and reward, and then upon the wicked, 
of condemnation and punishment. 


But of that day and hour knoweth no man. Mar. xiii. 32, 
Sar (ACHAT: 

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; 
in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, 
and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, 
and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. 2 Pe. iii. 
10—13. Isa. ix. 5. Ixvi. 15, 16. Da. vii. 9, 10. Mal. iv. 1. 
1 Cor. iii. 13. Ps, cii. 25, 26, Heb. i. 10, 11,12. Is. xxxiv. 
4. Mar. xiii. 31. 2 Pe. iii. 7. Is. lxv. 17. Ixvi. 33. 1x. 20, 21. 

This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, 
shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen him go into 
heaven. .Ac.i. 11. ‘Mat: xxiv. 30,31. Lu. xxi. 27. 1 °Th. 
i. 10. 

The Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, 
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. 
PT ASivei6.) 2) Th. a'7, 82 Re 7. vil 16516; 7” Pa. f. 
3, 4. 

The Son of man shall come in his own glory, and in his 
Father’s, and of the holy angels. Lu. ix. 26. Mat. xxv. 31. 
2 Th.i.10. Re. xix. 1, 2. vii. 10. xv. 3. 

The Lord Jesus Christ shall judge the quick and the dead, 
at his appearing, and his kingdom. 2 Tim.iv. 1. Ro. xiv. 9. 
1 Th. iv. 16,17. 1 Cor. xv. 51. 1 Pe.iv. 5. Ac.x. 42. 
Mat. xxv. 32, 33. 

Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord 
come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of dark- 
ness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and 
then shall every man have praise of God. 1 Cor. iv. 5. Ro. 
ii. 16. Re. ii. 28. Pr. xxiv. 8. Mat. v. 28. vii. 1,2. Ja. 
iv. 12. v. 9. 

Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give 
account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words 
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be con- 
demned.’ Mat. xii, 36, 37. v. 22, 34. Ex. xx. 7. Ps. 1. 20, 
21. evi. 32, 33. Eph.v. 4. Pr. xiii. 3. 

I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the 
books were opened: and another book was opened, which is 
the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things 
which were written in the books, according to their works. 
Re. xx. 12. Jude i. 15. Ro. ii. 5—10. Ps.1.21. Ec. xii. 
14. Jer. xxxii. 19. Lu. xii. 2. 

He hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the 


45 


world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained. 
Ac. xvii. 31. Ro. ii. 11, 12.. 2 Cor. ix. 6. Lu. xii. 47, 48. 
Mat. xi. 22, 24. xxiii. 14, xx. 23. Ge. xviii. 25. 1 Pe. i. 17. 
rs. 1.6, 6. 

We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with 
the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted 
like as we are, yet without sin. He. iv. 15. il. 17, v. 2, 7, 8. 
mS. XI. $, 4. %1..3. Ps cili..14. 

Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, come, 
ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you 
froin the foundation of the world. Mat. xxv. 34. xiil. 43. 
Lu. xii. 37. Mat. x. 41, 42. xxv..21, 23. Lu. xix. 17,,19. 

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, depart 
from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the 
devil and his angels. Mat. xxv. 41, vii. 23. Lu. xiii, 27. 
2°Th. i. 9. 1 2:Pe. ii. 9. iii. 7. 


@. What influence should the belief of this have 
upon us? 

A. It should engage us to live like persons who 
expect to undergo a strict trial; and forasmuch as 
we have no certainty of the time when our probation 
shall end, and our accounts be sealed up for this 
judgment, to be always prepared for the account we 
must then give of the whole course of our lives here 
on earth. 


Wherefore (beloved) seeing that ye look for such things, be 
diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, 
and blameless. 2 Pe. iii. 14,11, 12. Lu. xii. 35, 36. Tit. 
i. 11, 12.. “Ac,-xxiv. 25. Ps. 1.-22. 

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour, 
wherein the Sonof man cometh. Mat. xxv. 13. xxiv. 42—5]. 
Mar. xiii. 32—37. Lu. xvii. 26—380. xxi. 34, 35, 36. Rev. 
ili. 2. 1 Th. v. 2, 23. 


CHAPTER. XVIII. 


Question. The eighth article of the creed relates to 
the Holy Ghost: What do you believe concerning 
his nature and person ? 


A6 


/Inswer. Forasmuch as the Scripture ascribes to 
him the name, properties and operations of God, and 
joins him with the Father and the Son as an object of 
faith and worship ; and forasmuch also, as Christ him- 
self makes blasphemy against this blessed Spirit, to be 
the unpardonable sin, I do believe that the Holy 
Ghost, or Spirit, is the third person in the glorious 
Trinity, God, equal to the Father, and the Son, distinct 
from, and proceeding from both. 


Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie 
to the Holy Ghost?) Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto 
God. Ac. v. 3, 4. 1 Cor. iii, 16. 2 Tim. iii. 16. 2 Pe. i. 21. 

The spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 
1 Cor. ii. 10. vi..19. Heb. ix. 14. Ps. exxxix. 7. 

That which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. 
Mat. i. 18, 20.. Gen. i. 2.. Job xxvi. 13. Ps. civ. 30. Jo. 
xvi. 18. Ac. xv. 28. 1 Cor. vi. 11. 

Go, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Mat. xxviii. 
19. 1 Th. iii. 11, 12, 18. 

The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven 
unto men. Mat. xii. 31, 32. Lu. xii. 10. 

There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the 
Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are ONE. 1 Jo. 
v. 7 1 Cor. ii. 11. xii. 4, 5, 6. 

Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of 
the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he 
saw the spirit of God, descending like a dove, and lighting 
upon him. And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, this is my 
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. “Mat. iii. 16, 17. 
1 Pe. i,-2.- Is..xi. 2. xii... 

The distinction further proved, together with the procession, 
from the next verse. 

When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you 
from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth 
from the Father, he shall testify of me. Jo. xv. 26. xvi. 7, 
13, 14,15. Mat. x. 20. Ro, viii. 9. Ga.iv.6. 1 Pe. i. 11. 


Q. Why do you particularly call him holy ? 

4l. Because the Scripture does likewise represent 
it as his especial office to sanctify, or make men holy, 
and that he is the Lord and giver of all spiritual life ; 


AT 


who spake by the prophets, and by whose inspiration 
the Scripture was written, and who, for the establish- 
ment and continuance of christianity, did bestow 
miraculous gifts upon the first planters of that reli- 
gion; and hath appointed a constant succession of 
regularly ordained persons, to the office of the 
ministry. 

Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, in the 
name of our Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 
21a HO: ¥. >... 1 it. 1. 5, 6. 

It is the spirit that quickeneth. Jo. vi. 63. Ro. viii. 11, 
13. 1 Cor. xii.13. Eph. iil. 16. 2 Cor. i. 21. 

Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but 
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy 
Ghost. 2 Pe. i. 21. 1 Pe. i. 11. Ac. xxviii. 25.’ Heb. iii. 7. 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Tim. iii. 16. 
Mat. x. 29. Jo. xiv. 26. Eph. iii. 5. 1 Jo. ii. 20, 27. 

All these worketh that one and the self same Spirit, divid- 
ing to every man severally as he will. 1 Cor. xii. 11, 7—10. 
Heb. ii. 4. 1 Jo. v. 6. 

He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, 
evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfect- 
ing of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edify- 
ing of the body of Christ. Eph. iv. 11, 12, 7,8. 1 Cor. xii. 
28. Ac. xx. 28. xiii. 2,4. Mat. xxviii. 20. Jo. xx. 21, 22. 
2 Tim. i. 14. ii. 2. 2 Tit.1.5. Ro. x.:15. Hevv. 4. 


Q. What does this part of our belief oblige us to ? 

A. To worship and glorify this blessed Spirit, 
together with the Father and the Son; to follow the 
guidance of his written word; to hearken to his 
private motions; to pray for and concur with his 
assistance; to beware of forfeiting his grace, by 
slighting, misusing, or doing despite to it, by obsti- 
nate continuance in unbelief or any other impiety. 


~ 


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, 


and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. 
Amen. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. Re.iv.8. Is. vi. 3. see verse 4, of 
this chapter. 

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto 
the churches. Re.ii. 11. Jo. xvii. 17, 20. 1 Th. ii. 13. 


_ 


48 


Behold I stand at the door and knock ; if any man hear my 
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup 
him, and he with me. Re. iii. 20. Jo. iii. 8. Lu. viii. 18. 
Ro. viii. 14. 

How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy 
Spirit to them that ask him. Lu. xi. 13. Ja.i. 5. He. iv. 16. 
xiii. 20, 21. 

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For 
it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his 
good pleasure. Phi. ii. 12,13. 1 Tim. iv. 14. 2 Tim.i. 6. 

Quench not the spirit. 1Th. v.19. Eph. iv. 30. Is. Ixiii. 
10. Mat. xiii. 12. Gal. ii. 21. 

He that despised Moses’ law, died without mercy, under 
two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, sup- 
pose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under 
foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the cove- 
nant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath 
done despite unto the spirit of grace. Heb. x. 26—29. ii. 3. vi. 
4,5, 6. xii. 25. Ac. vii. 51. 

@. But are you not more particularly fearful of 
that sin against the Holy Ghost which Christ pro- 
nounced unpardonable ? | 

1. That having been the peculiar sin of some 
Pharisees in our Saviour’s time, in maliciously as- 
cribing to the power of the Devil those miracles 
which he wrought, before their eyes, for their con- 
viction, | humbly hope, that I, who ascribe them to 
the Spirit of God, am in no danger of falling into it. 


He that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, hath never 
forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: because 
they said, he hath an unclean spirit. Mar. iii. 29, 30, 22—2s. 

If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom 
of God is come unto you. Mat. xii. 28. Ro. xv. 19. Lu. 
Vii. 22, 23. 

@. In what consisted the singular guilt of those 


Pharisees ? 

l.'That they resisted the most powerful means 
which God in his wisdom, and in regard to our free 
agency, chose to employ for their conviction and 
belief of the truth. 


AY 


CHAPTER XIX. 


Question. What do you believe concerning the 
holy Catholic church in the ninth article. 

Answer, That Christ hath, and ever will have, one 
visible body, or congregation of men that believe in 
him, separated from the rest of the world by a holy 
covenant with God; whose doctrine is pure and holy 
and whose sincere members are sanctified by the 
Spirit of holiness ; and which therefore J call holy. 
I believe too that this church is not confined to one 
nation, or people, as the Jewish church was; but laid 
open for the free admission of all mankind into it; 
and which therefore I style Catholic or universal. 


As we have many members in one body, and all members 
have not the same office: so we being many are one body in 
Christ, and every one members one of another. Ro. xii. 4, 5. 
1 Cor. xii. 12, 13, 20. Ga. iii. 28. Eph. iv. 4,5, 6. 1 Cor. 
x. 17. 

Upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of 
hell shall not prevail against it. Mat. xvi. 18. xxviii. 20. Da. 
Vii. 14, Lu. i. 33. 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26. 7 

Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy 
nation, a peculiar people. 1 Pe. ii. 9. Ex. xix.5,6. De. 
vil.6. Ps. cxxxv. 4. Heb. viii. 8—12. 

Building up yourselves on your most holy faith. Jude, 20. 
1 Tim. vi. 3. iii. 17. Tit. i. 1. 

Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it: that he 
might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water, by 
the word: that he might present it to himself, a glorious 
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but 
that it should be holy, and without blemish. Eph. v. 25, 26, 
27.1.4. 1Th.iv.7. Ac. xxvi. 18. 2 Tim. i. 9. ii. 22. Col. 
i, 21, 22. ; 

The hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain, 
nor yet at Jerusalem, worship. the Father. Jo. iv. 21. 
Ps. Ixxvi. 1, 2. cxlvii. 19, 20. Ac. x. 35. ii. 21,39. 1 Cor. 
1, 2. 

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every 
creature. Mar. xvi.15. Mat. xxviii. 19. Col. i. 28. Ro.i. 
6.x. 4,18. Ps. ii. 8. Lu. xiii. 29. Re. xi. 15. 


5 


5U 


Q. What do you mean by the other part of this 


article ° | 

A. By saints I understand all the professed mem- 
bers of this universal church; and do believe that 
there is among some of them, and ought to be among 
all,a communion or fellowship in apostolical doctrine 
and ministry, public worship, and all the offices of 
christian charity. 

Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens 
with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. ii. 19. 1. 
1, 15. 4:Ro.1. 7.:xv., 26; 26, 31. Phi. i... Col. 4.4, Mat. 
xlil. 24, 25, 47, 48. 

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you; 
that ye may also have fellowship with us; and truly our fel- 
lowship is with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ. 
1 Jo.i. 3. Eph. ii. .20.. 2 Tim.i.13. ii. 14. 2 Th. ii. 15. 


Jude 3. 
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fel- 


lowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Ac. li. 42. 
1.46. Ro. xv. 5,6. Heb. x.25. Mat. xviii. 19, 20. 1 Pe. 


1. 15. 
The members should have the same care one for another. 


And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with 
it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with 
it. 1 Cor. xii. 25, 26. Ro. xii. 18, 15. Ga. vi. 2, 10. Phi.iv. 
14. 1 Tim. vi. 18. Heb. xiii. 3, 16. 

Q. What influence should the belief of this article 
have, over and above what you have suggested in the - 
explanation of it? 

A. It should engage every one of us to endeavour, 
what in us lies, to preserve the unity and peace of 
Christ’s church; to beware of cutting off or separat- 
ing ourselves from that community; out of which 
there is no revealed way of salvation ; and to follow 
the blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living. 

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond 
of peace. Eph. iv.3. 1 Cor. i. 10—13. Phi. ii. 1, 2. iii. 16. 


Jo. xvii. 21. Ac. iv. 32. 
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not 
the Spirit. Jude, 19, 17, 18. Ro. xvi. 17, 18. 1 Cor. iii. 3, 4. 


51. 


The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 
Ac. ii. 47. Eph. v. 25. Jo. xv. 4,5. 1 Pe. iii. 21. Mat. x. 
14, 15. é 

Be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith 
and patience inherit the promises. Heb. vi. 12. xiial. 2. Phi. 
iii. 17, 20. Col. i. 12. 


CHAPTER XX. 


Question. What do you believe with respect to the 
forgiveness of sins, the subject of the tenth article ? 

Answer. That to sinful and undone mankind, the 
great mercy of pardon, is, through the merits of 
Christ, tendered and assured. — 


All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Ro. 
iii. 23, 9. xi. 32. Ga. iii. 22. 1 Jo. i. 8, 10. v. 19. Eph. ii. 
1,2,3. Tit. ii. 3. 

The wages of sin is death. Ro. vi. 23. i. 32. v. 12, 14. 

_ Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose 
sins are covered. Ro. iv. 7, 8. vii. 24,25. 1Jo.iv. 10. 1 
Tim. i. 15. 

Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this 
man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. Ac. xiil. 
$1, 39. Ro. iii. 24,25. 2 Cor. v.19. Mat. xxvi. 28. Lu. 
1.407, ,Eph. i. 7. Heb..x. 17. 


~ Q. But is this pardon as unlimited in itself, as the 


offer of it is general ? 

A. No: it is not promised to be given any where 
but in the christian church ; and there only upon the 
conditions of repentance towards God, and faith 
towards our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, 
while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight 
souls were saved by water. The like figure, whereunto, even 
baptism doth also now save us—by the resurrection of Jesus 
Christ. 1 Pe. iii. 20,21. Ac. iv. 12. ii. 47. Tit. ili. 5. Ro. 
iii. 20. 

Repent ye and be converted, that yours, 1s may be blotted 
out. Ac. lii. 19. v. 31. xvii. 30,31. Lu. xiv. 47. 


52 


To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name 
whosoever believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins. 
Ac. x. 43. xxvi. 18. Ro. v.i. Phi. iii. 9. 

@. How far is this applicable to the case of parti- 
cular persons ? 

2, All such as, with a living faith, have been duly 
received into the congregation of Christ’s flock may 
account themselves cleansed from all guilt contracted 
before that time, and may trust in Christ for the 
remission of the sins they have committed since bap- 
.tism, upon such a repentance, as is suited to the kinds 
and degrees of those sins, and accompanied with a 
readiness to forgive, as they would be forgiven. 

Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of 
Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins. Ac. ii. 38. xxii. 16. 
Eph. v. 26. 

My little children these things write I unto you, that ye sin 
not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the 
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation 
for our sins. 1 Jo. ii. 1, 2. Mat. xxvi. 28. Jo. xx. 23. 
2 Cor. ii. 7. Ja. v. 14, 15, 19, 20. 2 Cor. xii. 20, 21. Jude 
22, 23. Re. ii. 21, 22. 

I shewed unto them, that they should repent and turn to 
God, and do works meet for repentance. Ac. xxvi. 20. 2 Cor. 
vii. 10, 1Jo.i.9. Re. ii. 5. 

Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Lu. vi, $37. xi. 4. xvii. 
38, 4. Mat. xvili. 21, 22. 1 Pe. iv. 8. 

@. But may not men deceive themselves, and 
abuse this grace of the gospel ? 

4. Yes: they may; and that by depending upon 
the forgiveness promised, without complying with the 
terms required. 

Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God 
forbid. Ro. vi. 1, 2. ii. 4,5. Jo. v.14. Heb. x. 26, 27. iii. 
13. Lu. xiii. 5. xv. 7. 


53 


CHAPTER XXI. 


Question. What is the full import of the eleventh 
article, the resurrection of the body? 

Answer. That in order to the final judgment, the 
bodies of all men, which have been laid down by 
death, shall be raised up again, and re-united to their 
own proper souls, being changed and fitted to be an 
eternal habitation with them: so shall also be the 
bodies of those who shall be found alive at that day. 

There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just 
and unjust. Ac. xxiv. 15. iv. 2. xvii. 18. Jo. vi. 39, 54. xi. 
24, 25, 26. 1 Cor. xv. 12, 20,21. 2 Tim. ii.18. Heb. vi. 2. 
Re. xx. 13. 

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned 
like unto his glorious body. Phi. iii. 21. Mat. xxii. 30. 
1 Cor. xv. 42, 43, 44, 49. 

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 1 Cor. 
xv. 50—53. vi. 13. 1Th. iv. 15,16,17. Heb. xi.5. 2 Ki.ii. 11. 

. How are the souls of men disposed of, during the 
intermediate time, between death and the resurrection. 

A. They are by God taken to, and must abide in, 
either the blissful receptacles of good, or the wretched 
prisons of bad, depafted spirits. 

The beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abra- 
ham’s bosom. Lu. xvi. 22. xxiii. 43. Ac. vii. 59. Phi. i, 23. 
Re. vi. 9, 10, 11. xiv: 13. xx. 4. Ec. xii. 7. Zee. ix.-1¥, 12. 

The rich man also died and was buried. And in hell he 
lifted up his eyes, being in torments. Lu. xvi, 23. xii, 20. 
Mat. x. 28. xvi. 26. Job xxvii. 8. 

Q. By what name are those places called in 
Scripture and the creed ? 

. They are called hell, by which is not there 
meant the place of final punishment, but a covered or . 
hidden abode. 


Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell. Ps. xvi. 11. 1 Cor. 
xv. 55. Mat. xvi. 18. Is. xiv. 9. 


5* 


54 


. How shall such a restoration of the whole mati 
be effected ? 

4l. By that all-sufficient power, which raised up 
Christ from the dead. 

God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us 
by his own power. 1 Cor. vi. 14. Mat. xxii. 29, 31, 32. Ac. 
xxvi. 8. Mar. v. 35—43. Lu. vii. 12,14,15. Jo. xi. 39, 43, 
44. 1 Cor. xv. 35—38. 1 Ki. xvii. 22. 2 Ki. iv. 31—87. 
xii. 21. Job xix. 25, 26. Is. xxvi. 19. Ixvi. 14. Ez. xxxvii. 
3—12. Heb. xiii. 14. 

Q. What kind of life is that, which, according to 
the last article, will follow the resurrection ? 

4l. A life of inexpressibly great happiness or 
misery; but both differing in degrees of greatness, 
according to the degrees of our goodness, or wicked- 
ness, in the state of probation and trial here in this 
world. 

All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall 
come forth, they that have done good, to the resurrection of 
life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of dam- 
nation. Jo. v. 28, 29. Mat. xiii. 41, 42, 48. Ro. ii. 6—10. 
Dan. xii. 2. 

One star differeth from another star in glory. 1 Cor. xv. 
41. Mat. x. 41, 42. xxv. 20—23. Lu. xix. 17,19. 2 Cor. 
ix. 6. 


Ye shall receive the greater damnation. Mat. xxiii. 14. x. 
15. Lu. xii. 47, 48. 


Q. And will both those future states of life be 
everlasting ? 

4. Yes: the pains of hell as well as the joys of 
heaven, shall be endless in their duration. 

These shall go away into everlasting punishment. Mat. 
xxv. 46, 41. iii. 12. xviii. 8. Mar. ix. 43, 44. 2 Th. i. 8. 9, 
Re. xiy. 1]. xx. 10. 

But the righteous into life eternal. Mat.xxv.46. Lu. xvi. 
9. xx. 36. Jo. vill. 51. Ro. vi. 23. 2 Tim. i. 10. Heb. y. 
9. axi45.” 1 Pe. i. 3, 4. 92 Pega, oes evi. II. 

Q. What effect should the belief of those twe 
articles have upon us? 


55 


A. Why, certainly the belief of a resurrection to 
everlasting life, is a sufficient encouragement to the 
true christian to abound and persevere in all good 
works, and a powerful motive to engage bad men to 
reform their lives. 

‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you 
know that your Jabour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. xv. 
58. Ga. vi. 9. Lu..xiv. 14. ‘Heb. xi..35. 2 Cor. iv. 17. 
1 Cor. ii. 9. Re. xxi. 4. 2 Tim. ii. 10. 

Fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 
Mat.(x.'28.' vii.:23. Xvi... 26; ‘Lu. xii, 5)20:\ xiii: 3. Ps: xi: 
G. 2 Cor, v. Li. 


CHAPTER XXII. — 


Question. What dost thou chiefly learn in 
these articles of thy belief? 

Answer. In the first article, I learn to believe in 
God the Father, who hath made me and all the 
world. In the six following articles, I learn to believe 
in God the Son who hath redeemed me and all — 
mankind. And in the eighth article I learn to believe 
in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me and 
all the people of God. 

@. And what do the other four articles relate to ? 

4. To that church of Christ, which the Holy 
Ghost doth gather and sanctify, and to the duty and 
privileges of the sound members of it; with an 
implication also therein of the guilt and danger of 
those, on the other hand, who are either not chris- 
tians, or not such as they ought to be. 

Q. In the eighth, twelfth, and eighteenth chapters, 
you have assigned the reasons of your belief of a 
trinity of persons, in the unity of the godhead; and 


56 


therefore I need not ask you, why you call the Son, 
God, and the Holy Ghost, God, as well as the Father. 
But you must tell me, whether you know upon what 
grounds the church teacheth you to ascribe to these 
three persons, three distinct offices or operations ? 

A. The reason is, because the same Scriptures 
which teach me that there are three persons in the 
godhead, do personally and distinctly, but not exelu- 
sively one of the other, attribute to God the Father, 
the work of creation, to God the Son, the work of 
redemption, and to God the Holy Ghost the work of 
sanctification. 

To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all 
things, and we in him. 1 Cor. viii. 6. Ac. xvii. 24,28. Job 
XXxill. 4. . 

Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and 
gold—but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb 
without blemish and without spot. 1 Pe. i. 18,19. Ga. ili. 
13. Eph. i. 7. 

God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, 
through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. 
2: Thidis.i351 Pe. i..22.. Ro. is4. xv. 16. 

@. It here wants no proof that God the Father 
made you and all the world: but how can it be made 
out, that God the Son hath redeemed not only you, 
but all mankind ? 

A. God the Son having taken human nature upon 
him, his death was the price laid down, and accepted 
by God the Father, for the redemption of every one 
of that nature, even of him who receives no benefit 
from it. 


Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, 
he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through 
death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that 
is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death 
were all their life-time subject to bondage. For verily he 
took not on him the nature of angels. But he took on him 
the seed of Abraham. Heb. ii. 14,15, 16. See chap. xiii. 1, 2. 

He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, 


57 


but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 Jo. ii. 2. 1 Cor. 
xv. 22. 1 Tim. ii. 6. Heb. ii. 9. 

Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Ro. 
Kiv. 15, 20. 1 Cor. viii. 11. 2 Pe. ii. 1. 


@. Can you as plainly make it appear that God 
the Holy Ghost doth sanctify both you and all the 
people of God? 

4l. The people,—or as the English catechism has 
it, the elect, that is, the called—people of God, being 
all those who are chosen out of the bulk of mankind, 
and called to be members of Christ’s church, they are 
sanctified by the spirit of God in baptism, and fur- 
nished, in the communion of that church, with all 
such spiritual assistances, both outward and inward, as 
may enable them to bring forth the fruits of the spirit. 

The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you. 


2 Pe. v.dedecat. 9,10. 42: Pe, i, 10... Col. ii. 12. . Tithd t: 
2s ie, 

Be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
Ac. ii. 38. Tit. iii. 5,6. 1 Cor. xii. 18. 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profita- 
ble for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
righteousness ; that the man of God may be perfect, thorough- 
ly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii. 15, 16,17. Jo. 
xvii. 17. Ja.i. 21. 1 Pe. ii. 2. Ac. xx. 28. 1 Cor. xiv. 3. 
Ac. viliygW%. 1 Cor. xii. 13. x. 16; 17; 

I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ— 
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, 
to be strengthened with might, by his Spirit in the inner man. 
Eph. iii. 14—19. Col.i. 11. Ro. v. 5. 

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, 
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Ga. v. 22, 
23, 25. Col.i. 9,10. 2 Pe. iii. 18. Ac. xxvi. 18. 


@. Does a change of character, as well as of con- 
dition necessarily follow from our being called to be 
the people of God? ‘ 

4. Not at all. We may resist the Holy Ghost. 

Ye do resist the Holy Ghost. Ac. vii. 51. 

@. When the means of grace produce their proper 

effect, what does follow thereupon ? 


58 7 


/l. The sanctifier becomes also the comforter of 
the elect; by assuring them that, notwithstanding 
their former sins and present frailties, they are now in 
a state of grace and favour with God, and shall, at the 
resurrection in the last day, be numbered amongst his 
saints in glory everlasting. 


I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Com- 
forter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the spirit of 
truth. Jo. xiv. 16,17. Ac. xiii. 52. 1Th.i.6. Ro.xiv. 17. 

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are 
the children of God. Ro. viii. 16, 14, 15. Ga.iv. 6. 2 Cor. 
1. 22. 

Now the God) of hope fill you with all joy and peace in 
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of 
the Holy Ghost. Ro. xv.13. Heb. vi. 19, 20. 2 Tim. i. 12. 
Col.i, 12,.18, Ro. v.17. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


Question. You said that your godfathers and 
godmothers did promise for you, that you snould 
keep God’s commandments. ‘Tell me therefore 
how many there are? 

Answer. Ten. 

Q. Which are they? 

A. The same which God spake in the twen- 
tieth chapter of Exodus. 

@. The commandments set down in that chapter 
being immediately given to the Jews, how comes it 
to pass, that the obligation of them extends to us 
christians P 

A. Because they relate to the obligations of all men 
in their behaviour to God, and one another ; are most 
agreeable to sound and unbiassed reason ; and were 
republished and reinforced by Christ, in that true per- 
fection of virtue, which was the primary design of the 


59 


lawgiver, but which the depravity of human nature 
had so defeated, that the moral righteousness of these 
laws did not secure them from being universally 
broken and corrupted. 


He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth 
the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, 
and to walk humbly with thy God. Mi. vi. 8. De. x. 12, 18. 
Brcexii. 13. Tit. wu. 11, 12: 

The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just, and 
good. Ro. vii. 12. xii. 1, 2. 1 Th. iv. 3. 

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the pro- 
_phets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Mat. v. 17, 
18, 19. iii. 15. xix. 17—19. Ro. ili. 21. 

What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the 
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, 
and for sin condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness 
of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the 
flesh, but after the Spirit. Ro. viii. 3, 4, 7, 8. vii. 14, 22, 23, 
24. ili. 9—19. 

Q. After what manner, and by whom, were those 
commandments delivered ° 

/. With great solemnity, by God himself, and by 

him divided into ten, and written upon two tables. 


Ye came near and stood under the mountain, and the moun- 
tain burnt with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, 
clouds, and thick darkness. And the Lord spake unto you 
out of the midst of the fire. De. iv. 13. ix. 10. Ex. xix. 18, 19. 

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he com- 
manded you to perform, even ten commandments, and he 
wrote them upon two tables of stone. De. iv. 13. ix. 10. Ex, 
xxxi. 18. xxxii. 16. xxxiv. 28. 

Q. Why were they written upon two tables? 

A. For the same reason that they are said by our 
Saviour to be but two commandments ; namely, be- 
cause they are reducible to two general heads, the 
love of God, and the love of our neighbour. | 

Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 


This is the first and great commandment. And the second is 
like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On 


€0 


these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 


Mat. xxii. 37—40, Mar. xii. 28—34. 


Q. Why are these words, ‘I am the Lord thy 
God, who brought thee out of the land of 
Egypt, out of the house of bondage,’ set before 
the commandments ? 

. To strike us with the greater awe and regard, 
and to make us sensible of the great obligation that 
lies upon us to observe them. 

Q. What then are the especial motives to reverence 
and obedience, contained in this solemn introduction ? 

Jl. First, the authority and sovereignty of God, 
who spake these words: Secondly, his peculiar 
right in the people, to whom they were spoken, as 
being the Lord their God. Thirdly, his goodness to 
them, in bringing them out of the land of Egypt. 

Ye shall observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and 
do them. I am the Lord. Le. xix. 37. De. iv. 36, 39, 40. 
Ex, xxiv. 8: “ 

Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and 
to walk in all his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his com 
mandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice. 
And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar 
people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep 
all his commandments. De. xxvi. 17, 18. vii. 6. xiv. 2. 

Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this cove- 
nant, which I commanded your fathers, in the day that I 
brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron 
furnace, saying, obey my voice, and do them, according to all 
which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will 
be your God. Jer. xi. 3,4. De. iv. 20. 

Q. Why are these arguments, which were directed 
to the Jews, proposed to us, as motives to obedience ? 

l. Because all true christians are the spiritual 
Israel, and heirs of the promise, and enjoy many 
benefits of the preparatory dispensation under which 
the Jews lived; he is the Lord our God by a more 
excellent covenant than he was theirs; and he hath 


61 


delivered us out of a greater slavery than that of an 
_ Egyptian bondage, and prepared for us a better inhe- 
ritance than an earthly Canaan. 


He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is 
that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose 
praise is not of men, but of God. Ro. ii. 29. Phi. iii, 3. 
Ro. iv. 16. 

If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abrahain’s seed, and heirs 
according to the promise. Ga. iii, 29. Ro. iv. 11—18., Eph. 
ili. 6. 

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gen- 
tiles? yes, of the Gentiles also. ‘Ro. iii. 29. ix. 24. xv. 8—12. 
Mat. xii. 21. Ac. xv. 17. xxviii. 28. 

He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was estab- 
lished upon better promises. He. viii. 6, 13. vii. 22. 2 Cor.iii.9. 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and 
hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Col. i. 
13. Ac. xxvi.18. 1 Pe.ii.9. 1 Th. ii. 12. 


Q. One question more I would ask; introductory 

to the exposition of the commandments, and that is, 
what probably might be the reason, why they were 
delivered in the second person of the singular 
number ? 
_ 4. That every man may look upon each of them 
as personally spoken to himself, and be thereby 
engaged to a stricter care in avoiding, at all times, 
and in all cases, the sins forbidden, and in perform- 
ing, when he has it in his power, the duties required, 
in a body of laws closely applied to his conscience, 
and directly tending to his good. 

These are the commandments, the statutes, and the judg- 
ments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you: 
That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his 
statutes and his commandments which I command thee; thou, 
and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life. De. 
Vi. 1, 2. v. 3,'32. ; 

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would 
fear me, and keep all my commandments always; that it 
might be well with them, and with their children forever, 
De. v. 29, 38. vi. 24. x. 12, 13. xxx. 15,16. 1 Tim. iv. 8. 


6 


62 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


Question. Which is the first commandment ? 


Answer. Thou shalt have none other Gods 


but me. 

Q@. Forasmuch as there is really no more than one 
God, why were we commanded to have no other? 

4. Because the greatest part of mankind, having 
for many ages lost the right sense and knowledge of 
the true God, were apt to imagine some creature or 
other to be, or, to act as if it were, God. 

When ye knew not God, ye did service unto them, which 
by nature are no Gods. Ga.iv.8. Jos. xxiii. 16. 1 Ki. xi. 
4. 2 Ki. xvii.33. Jer. xi. 13. Ro. i. 1IS—32. Ps. Ixxxi. 9. 
Ac. xiv. 15, 16. 1 Cor. viii. 5. 

Q. What then is forbid in this commandment ? 

A. The acknowledging and worshipping more 
Gods than one; the giving, by any act of internal or 
external piety, the honour due only to the one living 
and true God, to any creature whatever; and the 
denying of our duty to him in our lives and conver- 
sations. ! 


Ye shall not fear other Gods, nor bow yourselves to them, 
nor serve them nor sacrifice tothem. 2 Ki. xvii. 35. Jer. vii. 
6,7... 1 Cor. vill. 4. x. 14, Re, xxi. 15,- Psexliv. 20, 21. 

When I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel— 
then saith he unto me, See thou do it not, for I am thy fellow- 
servant—worship God. Re. xxii. 8, 9. xix. 10. Ac. xiv. 
11—15. Mat. vi. 24. Eph. v. 5. Phi. iii. 19. Ps, xx. 7. 
Hab. i. 16. Jer. xvii. 5. : 

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny 
him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good 


work reprobate. Tit.i.16. 2 Tim. ili. 5. Jude,4. Ps. x.4_ 


Q. What duties does the prohibition of these sin 
imply ? ) 
4. To acknowledge but one God; to have the 


Almighty Maker of heaven and earth, Father, Son — 


¥ 


j 


» 
* 


63 


and Holy Ghost, for our God ; to give him and him 
alone, that worship which is due to him as such; to 
love, fear, trust in and obey him, above all other 
beings. | 

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that 
the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth 
beneath: there is none else. De. iv. 39. Is. xliv.6. Mar. 
xii. 29, 32, 34. Eph. iv.6. 1 Tim. ii. 5. 

To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all 
things, and we in him. 1 Cor. viii. 6. Jo. TVA. So Lodkl. 
xviii. 24. Jer. x. 10. Ps. cxliv. 15. 

Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true 
God. 1 Th.i.9. Mat. iv.10. De.x. 20. Jos. xxiii. 7, 8. 
1 Sa. vii. 3. 2 Ki. xvii. 36. Ps. Ixv. 2. xcii. 1. Ixxx. 18. 

Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the 
Lord your God. Jos. xxiii. 11. De.x.11. Lu.x. 27. Jo. 
xiv. 15, 21. Mat. x. 37. Ps. lxxiii. 25. 

The covenant that I made with you, ye shall not forget, 
neither shall ye fear other Gods. But the Lord your God ye 
shall fear. 2.Ki. xvii. 88, 39. Is. viii. 13. Pr. xxiii. 17. 
Job xxxi. 34. Mat. x. 28. 

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord J ehovah 
is everlasting strength. Is. xxvi. 4. Ps. cxv. 4—11. lvi. 3, 
4. Ivii. 1. xxiii. 25, 26. Pr. iii. 5. 1 Tim. vi. 17. Job xxxi. 
24, 25, 28. 

We ought to obey God rather than men. Ac, v. 29. iv. 19. 
Ex. i. 17. xxiv. 7. Jos. xxiv. 23, 24. 


CHAPTER XXV. 


Question. Which is the part of the second com- 
mandment which contains the decree, or rule of our 
conduct in the matter ? 

~ Answer. Thou shalt not make to thyself any 
graven image, nor the likeness of any thing 
that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, 
or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt 
“not bow down to them, nor worship them. 
Q. What are we hereby chiefly forbidden ° 


64 


“i. The making any image or picture of the God- 
head; the entertaining any gross conceptions of him 
in our minds; the using any kind of representations 
as a medium for religious worship, and the worship- 
ping the divine majesty in a manner any way repug- 
nant to his nature, or his word. 


To whom will ye liken God? or what likeness will you 
compare unto him. Is. xl. 18, 25. Ps. Ixxxix. 6. De, iv. 15. 
16. Ps. cvi. 20. 

Forasmuch as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to 
think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver, or stone 
graven by art or man’s device. Ac. xvii. 29. Ro. i. 20—23. 
Ex. iii. 14. 

Ye shall make you no idols, nor graven image, neither rear 
you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of 
stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord 
your God. Le. xxvi.1. De. xvi. 22. xxvii. 15. Ex. xxxii. 
7, 8. Ac. vii. 41. 1 Ki. xii. 28. Da. iii. 18. Ps. xevii. 6, 7. 
1 Jo. vy. 21. Re. ix. 20. 

When they knew God, they glorified him not as God. Ro. 
i. 21. Jer. vii. 31. xix. 5. xxxii. 35. Le. x. 15-2. "COL. a1. 
16—23. Mat. xv. 8,9. Mar. vii. 7, 8. 

@. What, on the contrary, doth this commandment 
require from us ? 

1. To believe God to be a pure spiritual being, and 
as such, to worship him in spirit and in truth, to pay 
him that bodily worship, which he forbids us to give 
to idols, and, by all the ways we can, to promote his 
honour and service in the world, in opposition to all 
rivals, 

God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worshi 
him in spirit and in truth. Jo. iv. 24. 2 Cor. iii. 17. Phi. 
iii. 3. 

O come, let us worship, and bow down: let us kneel before 
the Lord our Maker. Ps. xcv. 6. Ro. xii. 1. 1 Cor. vi. 20. 
Lu. xxii. 41, 

I have caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel, 
and the whole house of Judah, saith the Lord; that they 
ape be unto me for a people, and for aname, and for a praise, 
and for a glory: but they would not hear. Jer. xiii. 11, 10, 
Mi. iv. 5,. 


65 


@. What, in the remaining part of the second 
commandment, is the sanction of this, and the fore- 
going law? 

A. ForI the Lord thy God, ama jealous God, 
and visit the sins of the fathers upon the chil- 
dren, unto the third and fourth generation, of 
them that hate me, and shew mercy unto thou- 
sands, in them that love me, and keep my 
commandments. 

@. If this sanction belongs to both, why are they 
not joined together, as one commandment ? 

A. Because they relate to two sorts of idolatry : 
The first commandment forbidding the worship of a 
false God: the second, the worship of the true God 
after a false manner. 

@. What is there so very bad in idolatry, that God 
seems to be more jealous with respect to that than 
any other sin? 

A. Because it is the greatest abuse and perversion 
of the glory which belongs to him, and of the reason 
which belongs to us; that which undermines the very 
foundation of all true religion and virtue ; and which 
therefore most provokes his wrath, in those espe- 
cially whom he has espoused for his own people. 

I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not 
give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Is. xlii. 
8. xliv. 10 xlvili. 11. Hab. ii. 18, 19, 20. 

They are all estranged from me through their idols. Ez. 
xiv. 5. Ro. i. 28—32. 1 Cor. x. 7. 

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of 
the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you 
a graven image, or the likeness of any thing which the Lord 
thy God hath forbidden thee. For the Lord thy God is a con- 
suming fire, even a jealous God. De. iv. 23, 24. viii. 19, 20. 
Jos. xxiv. 19, 20. Ps. lxxix.5. 1 Cor. x. 20, 21, 22. vi. 9. 
Re. xxi. 8. 

_ Q. When God is pleased to put his threat in execu- 
tion, how does he visit the sins of the fathers upon 
the children? 

6* 


66 


l. Not with spiritual and eternal evils, unless they 
tread in their father’s steps; but with temporal cala- 
mities, extending to the third and fourth generation of 
them, whom he esteems to be such as hate him. 


The soul that sinneth it shall die. Ez. xviii. 4, 20. Jer. 
Xxxi. 29, 30. 

Our fathers have sinned and are not, and we have borne their 
iniquities. La. v. 7. Nu. xiv. 38. 1 Ki. xi. 35. xiii. 34. 
XVI. 3. xxi. 29. 2 Ki. ix, 8. xxiv. 8. 

@. Is there no avoiding this inheritance of punish- 
ment? 

Al. Yes: whenever the children do forsake their 
fathers’ sins, and turn to him that smote them, God 
will visit them with his salvation, perhaps in this life, 
certainly in the life to come; and will also show 
mercy, both here and hereafter, to the generations 
descending from them; even to thousands of them 
that love him, and keep his commandments. 

If he beget a son that seeth all his father’s sins which he 
hath done, and considereth and doth not such like—he shall 
not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. Ez. 
Xvili. 14—17. Le. xxvi. 40, 41, 42. Ez. ix. 8, 9. 

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faith- 
ful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that 
love him, and keep his commandments, to a thousand genera- 
tions. De. vii. 9. iv. 37. 1 Ki. xv. 4,5. 2 Ch. xxi. 7. Ps. 
Xviil. 50. Ixxxix. 28—37. cv. 42. 

@. What instructive lesson may parents learn from 
the enforcement of these commandments ? 

Al. That by impiety and profaneness they will not 
only draw down the curse of God upon themselves, 
but great evils upon their children after them; and 
that the way to derive a blessing upon themselves 
and their posterity, is to be careful of approving their 
love of God, by keeping these commandments of his, 
which relate to his worship and service. 

_ Thou recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the 
bosom of their children after them. Jer. xxxii. 18. Job 
XXvil. 18, 14. Ps. cix. 9—1L5. 


67 
Thou shalt keep his statutes and his commandments, which 
I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and 


with thy children after thee. De.iv.40. Le. xxvi. 45. 1 Ki. 
xi. 34. Ps. ciii. 17, 18. exv. 18, 14. Pr. xiii. 22. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 


Question. Which is the third commandment? 

Answer. Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not 
hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 

@. How do men become guilty of the breach of 


this law? 

4. By light, familiar, and irreverent use of any of 
the holy names; by perjury, or false swearing, by 
swearing to do evil; by rash and common swearing 
by God, or any of his creatures; by blasphemy, or 
contemptuous speaking of God, or any of his doings ; 
by profanation of things belonging to him and his ser- 
vice; and by any way occasioning the name of God, 
and his religion, to be reproached by others. 


Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou 
profane the name of thy God. Le. xix. 12. vi. 2,3, 4. Zec. 
Vil. 17.;- Pr xxxe9. ° 

We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we -will 
eat nothing, until we have slain Paul. Ac. xxiii. 14. Mat. 
xiv. 9. xv. 5,6. Ju. xi. 35. Jer. xliv. 25. Nu. xxx. 5, 8. 

I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it 
is God’s throne: nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: 
neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. 
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head; because thou canst not 
make one hair white or black. But let your communication 
be yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these, 
cometh of evil. Mat. v. 34—37. xxiil. 20, 21, 22. Ja. v. 12. 

He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely 
be put to death. Le.xxiv. 16, 10—15. Ps. Ixxiv. 18. cxxxix. 
20. Lu. xxii. 65. Re. xvi. 11,21. Mat. xii.31. 2 Ki. xix. 
10, 22. 

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of 
robbers in your eyes? behold, even J have seen it saith the 


68 


Lord. Jer. vii. 11. Mat. xxi. 13. Le. xxii. 2. Re. xiii. 1, 
6. 1.Cor. xi. 22, 27. Lu. x. 16.: 

The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, through 
you. Ro. ii. 24. Is. li. 5, Ez. xxxvi. 20, 23. Ja. ii. 7. 
Ac. Xxvi. 11. 


@. What is required in that general duty here 
implied of honouring the name of God? 

1. To own the Lord, the God of Israel, for our 
God, by swearing by his name, upon all just and 
necessary occasions; to take all assertory oaths with 
a religious care to affirm nothing but what we know 
to be true; and all promissory caths, whether to God 
or man, with a sincere intention to perform them ; to 
stand in awe of and reverence his great name, at all 
times, to have a due regard to whatever is delivered 
to us in the name, and out of the word of God; to 
sanctify him in all those ordinances that bear his 
name, and in whatever has an inimediate relation to 
him and his service; and as the sum of all, to glorify 
his name by a truly christian conversation. 

Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt 
swear by his name. De. vi. 13. x. 20. Is. xlv. 23. lxv. 16. 
Jos. xxili.7. Jer. xii. 16. Am.viii. 14. Zep.i. 5. 

Men verily swear by the greater, and an oath for confirma- 
tion is to them an end of all strife. Heb. vi. 16,13. Mat. 
xxvi. 63, 64. Re. x. 6. Ro.i.9. 1 Cor. xv. 31. 2 Cor. i. 23. 

Thou shalt swear, the Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, 
and in righteousness. Jer. iv.2. Is. xlviii. 1 Ps. xxiv. 4. 
Ixiii. 11. 

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it, for 
he hath no pleasure in fools, pay that which thou hast vowed. 
Ke. v. 4. De. xxili. 21, 22, 23. . Nu. xxx. 2.° Ps. 1.14. Ixvi. 
13,14. Pr. xx. 25. Gen. xxvili. 20, 21, 22. Ps. exxxii. 2. | 
Mal. i. 14. 

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ?—he that sweareth 
to his own hurt, and changeth not. Ps. xv. 1, 4.” Ne. v. 12, 
18¢,4908. 1x. 19, 20." .2 Sa. xxi.'1. 7. 

Fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God. De. 
xxvill. 58, Ps. xcix. 3. Is. viii. 13. Jer. x. 6,7. Mal. iv. 2. 

My heart standeth in awe of thy word. Ps. cxix. 161, 11, 
105, 140. Is. Ixvi. 2. 2 Ki. xxii. 19. Pr. xiii. 13. 


69 


Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. 
mee, SXVi, 2... PS. IXexixea, bce, V..1.,. 1. Cor. xi: 28. iv. 1: 

That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
things. Tit. ii. 10, 4,5. 1Tim.vi.1. Ne. v.9. 

Q. What is the importance of that threat, where- 
with this commandment is enforced ? 

A. That God will most certainly and most severely 
punish all such persons, as are guilty of the breach 
of it. 

I will come near to you to judgment, and I will be a swift 


witness against false swearers. Mal. iii. 5. Jer. xxiii. 10. 
Ez. xvii. 19. Ho. iv.2,3. Zec. v. 3, 4. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


Question. Which is the fourth commandment ? 

Answer. Remember that thou keep holy the 
Sabbath day. Six days shalt thou labour and 
do all that thou hast to do; but the seventh day 
is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou 
shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son 
and thy daughter, thy man servant, and thy 
maid servant, thy cattle and the stranger that is 
within thy gates. For in six days the Lord 
made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in 
them is, and rested the seventh day ; wherefore 
the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed 
it. 

Q. What is there in this commandment of univer- 
sal and perpetual obligation ? 

A. Not only that we should set apart some portion 
of our time for rest, and the worship of God, but 
that we should particularly allot one day in seven for 
that purpose, A seventh day being sanctified by God 


70 


himself, as soon as he had made the world, and the 
observation thereof established upon a reason which 
affects all mankind. 


Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and 
the fountains of waters. Re. xiv. 7. Ro. i. 20. Re. iv. 11. 

God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that 
in it he had rested from all his works, which God created and 
made. Ge. ii. 2,3. Ex. xxxi. 15, 16, 17: 


@. What was the practice of the Jews in this 
matter ? 

1, They kept holy one day in seven, in memory 
of the creation; and that seventh day was our last 
day of the week, in remembrance of their deliverance 
out of Egypt. 

Remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, 
and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence, through a 
mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord 
thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day. De. v. 15. 
Ex. Xvi. 23—30. 

@. What is the practice of us christians ? 

A. We likewise, in remembrance of the creation, 
set apart one day in seven; but we observe the first 
day of the week, in a thankful commemoration of a 
much greater redemption, wrought thereupon, by the 
resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was 


raised from the dead, according to my gospel. 2 Tim. ii. 8. 
Mat. xxviii. 1. Mar. xvi.2. Lu. xxiv.1. 1Jo.xx.1. Ps. 


CXxviil. 24. 

Q. Are we any otherways, than by this, of itself a 
sufficient reason, directed to the sanctification of this 
day ° 
‘A. Yes: By Christ’s appearing afterwards to his 
disciples, and sending down the Holy Ghost, upon 
this day; by the apostles holding religious assem- 
blies thereupon, and calling it the Lord’s day ; and by 
the concurrence of our own laws, both civil and 


71 


ecclesiastical, with the constant opinion, practice and 
authority of the whole Catholic church. 

When Jesus was risen, early the first day of the week, he 
appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Mar. xvi. 9. Jo. xx. 19, 
20, 26. d 

When the day of Pentecost was fully come, there appeared 
unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each 
of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Ac. 
li. I—4. Le. xxiii..15,,16. 

Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came 
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them. Ac. xx. 7. 
1 Cor. xvi. 2. 

I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day. Re. i. 10. 

Q. This then being the day to which christians are 
to apply this precept, the next inquiry must be, after 
what manner we are to observe it? 

A. Not with that ceremonial strictness, with which 
the Jews kept their Sabbath, scrupulously forbearing 
even works of necessity and charity ; but in giving 
rest and refreshment, after the labours of the forego- 
ing week, to ourselves and all belonging to us; and 
consecrating a due proportion of our leisure and 
retreat from the hurry and business of the world to 
the service of God; the improvement of our own 
piety, and the good of one another; always remem- 
bering that eternal rest, which we expect with our 


Redeemer. 

Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of 
an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days. 
Col. ii. 16. Ga. iv. 9, 10. Lu. vi. 7. xiii. 14, 15, 16. Jo. 
ix. 16. 

The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sab- 
bath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. 
Mar. ii. 27, 28, 23—26. Mat. xii. 1—8. Lu. vi. 1—5, 6—11. 
Mat. ix. 13. ’ 

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day 
thou shalt rest, that thine ox, and thine ass may rest, and the 
son of thine hand-maid, and the stranger may be refreshed. 
Ex. xxiii. 12. Le. xxiii. 3. Jer. xvil. 24, 25. Pr. xii. 10, 


Lu. xiv. 1. 


72 


From one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to wor- 
ship before me, saith the Lord. Is. Ixvi. 23. Ac. xvi. 13. 
>. ©. iF [- | 
The next Sabbath day, came almost the whole city together 
to hear the word of God. Ac. xiii. 44, 42, 27. xv. 21. xvii. 2. 

It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days. Mat. xii. 12, 
8—ll. Jo. v. 9,17. ix. 14. Lu. vi. 9. xiv.3. Ga. vi. 10. 

There remaineth a rest unto the people of God. Let us 
labour therefore to enter into that rest. He. iv. 9, 11, 1—8. 
Ror tivg 7. ju. bo 2 1 bee 


Q. Who then, in the christian sense of this law, 
are to be accounted transgressors of it ? 

2. Such as follow any worldly employment on the 
Lord’s day, which may be deferred to another day ; 
such as wilfully neglect the worship of God, espe- 
cially in the public assemblies ; such as are careless 
of instructing, and unmindful of the behaviour of 
those under their charge; such as allow themselves 
in gaming, or other liberties and amusements ill-suit- 
ing the solemnity and sacredness of the day; and, 
above all, they who indulge themselyes in such prac- 
tices as would be highly sinful on any, and are much 
. more so on this day. 


In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on 
the Sabbath ; and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses, as 
also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which 
they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; and I testi- 
fied against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. Ne. 
xiii. 15—18. Ex. xvi. 29. Jer. xvii. 21;22. Lu. xxxiii. 56. 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the 
manner of some is. He. x. 25. Le. xxiii. 8. 1 Cor. xi. 20. 
Ac. ii. 1. Jude 19. 

A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Pr. 
xwixs.15.. De.. iv, .9.. vi. 7. xxxii. 46. « Ps. Ixxviii. 5, 6. 
2 Tim. ili. 15. 

If thou turn away thy foot from profaning the Sabbath, 
from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath 
a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt honour 
him, not doing thine own ways, not finding thine own plea- 
sure, not speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight 
thyself in the Lord. Is. lviii. 18,14. Lu. viii. 14. Ja. v.5. 
2 Tim, iii, 4. ; 


73 


These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast 
with you, feeding themselves without fear—raging waves of 
the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to 
whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Jude, 
a, is. (2 Pe. ii, 13, 14. Us. vind. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


— Question. Which is the fifth commandment ? 
Answer. Honour thy father, and thy mother, 
that thy days may be long, in the land which 
the Lord thy God giveth thee. 
@. What is principally intended in this command- 
“ment? - 
_ A. To secure the duty of children to their natural 
“parents: whom they are to honour by loving, and 
fearing them; by paying them all possible reverence 
and respect; by being obedient to their lawful com- 
mands, and relieving them in their wants. 


He that loveth father and mother more than me, is not — 
worthy of me. Mat. x. 37. Ge. xlvi. 29. 1 Ki. xix. 20. 
Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father. Le. xix. 
Sut Her xii: 9: 
A son honoureth his father. Mal. i. 6. Ge. xviii. 12. Ex. 
xvili. 7. 1 Ki. ii. 19. 
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 
Eph. vi. 1. Col. iii. 20. Pr. i. 8. vi. 20. Ge. xxviii. 6, 7. 
Let them learn to shew piety, or kindness at home, and to 
requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before 
God. 1Tim.v. 4. Ge: xlv. 10,.11. xlvii. 12. Ruth. ii, 18. 
To., xix. 26, 27. 


@. When may children be said to be remiss in the 
duties arising out of this precept ? 

A. Not to mention smaller failures, which ought 
to be guarded against, as drawing greater after them ; 
whenever any of us despise either of our parents, 
when we revile them, and are disobedient to them in 


< 


74 


things in which they have a right to command, or 
when we refuse to support and succour them in their 
necessities, we are notoriously guilty of the breach 
of this commandment. 


The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey 
his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the 
young eagles shall eat it. Pr. xxx. 17. xxili. 22. Ge. ix. 22, 
25. De. xxvii. 16. 

He that curseth father or mother let him die the death. 
Mat. xv. 4. Le. xx.9. Pr. xx. 20. 

If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not 
obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and 
that when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto 
them—all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that 
he die. De. xxi. 18, 21. 1 Sa. il. 25. Ge. xxviii. 8, 9. 
2 Tim. iii. 2. Pr. xxvill. 24. Nu. xxx. 16. 

Ye say, if a man shall say to his father or mother, it is 
Corban, that is to say a gift—ye suffer him no more to do 
aught for his father or his mother: making the word of God 
of none effect through your tradition. Mar. vii. 11, 12, 13. 
Mat. xv. 5,6. 1 Tim. v.8. 

Q. Are these words father and mother, to be ex- 
tended no farther than to our natural parents ? 

4. Yes: To magistrates, and ministers; to mas- 
ters of families, and all sorts of superiors. : 

Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing 
mothers. Is. xlix.23. 1 Cor.iv.15. 2 Ki. v. 13. Ac. vii. 2. 3 


Q. What then is the duty you owe to each of 
these ? 

4. To my civil parent, the supreme, or subordi- 
nate magistrate, I owe honour, obedience, and tribute. — 
To my spiritual father, my minister, ]am to pay an 
affectionate respect for his office sake, and the bene- 
fit I derive from it; to follow his instructions, for 
Christ’s sake ; and to contribute, according to my 
ability, to his maintenance, for the gospel’s sake. If 
I am a servant, I ought to be obedient to the com- 
mands of my master. And in whatever state I am, 
to be humble and respectful to all my superiors. 


me 


ri) 


Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s 
sake; whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto gover- 
nors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment 
of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. 1 Pe. 
ii; 18,14. Ro. xiii.-1.. Tit. iii. 1. Ex. i. 17. Da. iii. 18. 
wi. 10: Ac. iv: 18, 19. 

Render unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s, and unto 


God the things that are God’s. Mat. xxii. 21. Ro. xiii. 6, 7. 


2 Ki. xxiii. 35. 

We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour 
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you ; 
and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. 


me Th. vy. 12,18. Cor. iv. 1. Phi. ii. 29. 


Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your- 
selves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give 
account: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: 
for that is unprofitable for you. He. xiii. 17,7. 1 Cor. xi. 


pote en avCor., Val.. 15. 


Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him 
that teacheth, in all good things. Ga. vi. 6. Mat. x. 9, 10. 
1 Tim. v. 17, 18. 

Servants, obey in all things, your masters according to the 
flesh : not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness 
of heart, fearing God. Col. iii. 22. Eph. vi. 5,6. 1 Pe. li. 
18. Mal. i. 6. 

Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder: Yea, all of 
you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility. 
1 Pe. v.5. Ro. xii. 10. Phi. ii. 3. 1 Tim. v. 1, 2, 3. 

Q. What sorts of misbehaviour stand in the most 
direct opposition to these duties. il 

A. All audacious and insolent treatment of the 
chief magistrate, and those in authority under him, 
actual disobedience, and open rebellion ; and refusing 
to pay those taxes which are lawfully imposed. All 
disrespect to the ministers of God’s word, the slight- 
ing their doctrine, the harsh judging their motives 
and actions, and performances, rude expressions con- 
cerning them, and defrauding them of their dues. 
All unfaithfulness, stubbornness, and disobedience in 
servants. And all rudeness and incivility to aged 


“persons, and our superiors in any kind. 


76 


These filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and 
speak evil of dignities. Jude 8. Ac. xxiii. 5. Ex. xxii. 
28. 2 Pe. ii. 9,10. Ec..x. 20. 

Whosoever resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of 
God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damna- 
tion. Ro. xiii. 2 Pr. xxiv. 21. 1 Sa. xxvi.9. 

Lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an 
hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when 
thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money, 
that take, and give unto them for me and thee. Mat. xvii. 27. 
PNG OXK eae Oye ay, AZT. TV. Loe 

He that despiseth you, despiseth me: and he that despiseth 
me, despiseth him that sent me. Lu. x. 16. 1 Th. iv. 8. 

Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, 
when ye depart out of that house, or city, shake off the dust 
of your feet. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolera- 
ble for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of judg- 
ment, than for that city. Mat. x. 14,15. Ac. xiii. 50, 51. 
XViil. 6. 

Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox, that treadeth 
out the corn. 1 Cor. ix. 9—14. Nu. xviii. 20. Lu. x. 7, 8. 

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and 
to please them well in all things; not answering again, not 
purloining, but shewing all good fidelity ; that they may adorn 
the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Tit. ii. 9, 10. 
Bed i i ee a be 

There came forth little children out of the city, and 
mocked him, and said unto him, go up, thou bald head, go up, 
thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, 
and cursed them in the name of the Lord: and there came 
forth two she-bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two 
children of them. 2 Ki. ii. 23,24. Job xxx. 1,9. Ps. xxii. 
7. Xxxv. 15. Ixix. 12. Pr. xxiv. 9. 


@. Does not this commandment oblige superiors, 
as well as inferiors, to the performance of the duties 
of their station ? 

4. To be sure it does: For relative duties do 
mutually oblige each party: And therefore parents 
magistrates, ministers, masters, and all to whom 
honour is due, owe corresponding offices of love, care, 
protection, and good example to those below them. 


Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring 
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph. vi. 
4,\- Pr. xxiii. 18, 14... 2 Cor. xii, 14. 


oe 


Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Ro. 
i.2D,.4. <b Kiwill, 7iSaitenoneD. XIX, (0,,6).447 263 _ Kx. 
iexvan. 71, 72.9 Pr: xxi-28; Ie Tim. it;/2..0 1 Pes. 14. 

Jesus saith unto him, feed my sheep, Jo. xxi. 15, 16, 17. 
1 Tim. iv. 12—16. 2 Tim. ii. 14, 15. iv. 2. Tit. ii. 7, 8, 15. 
1 Pe. v. 2,3. Ne. vill. 8. Ez.iii. 18,19. Mal. ii. 7. 

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and 
equal, knowing that ye also have a masterin heaven. Col. 
oy. eli» Lesixxvieie. Job xxxi. 8, .14,16.'¢ Psv civ.6,2%. 
Eph. vi. 9. Ja.v.4. Phile. 16. 

Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. 
mao, Xi." "6. xu. fe) Vin, Vic ATG Tit. ny 2 eed Od 
eax e> Pr xvi. 3. 

@. What peculiar encouragement have we to keep 
this commandment ? 

/1. An especial promise to all the punctual obser- 
vers of it, of having their days here on earth length- 
ened out in peace and comfort, so far as shall conduce 
to their eternal happiness in the heavenly Canaan. 

Honour thy father and mother, (which is the first command- 
ment with promise,) that it may be well with thee, and thou 
mayest live long on the earth. Eph. vi. 2,3. De. v. 16. 
Bret to. 1 fin. iv. 8. 

This is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal 
life. 1 Jo.ii. 25. He. xi. 10, 16. xii. 22. xiii. 14. Re. xxi. 23. 


a Ne 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


Question. Which is the sixth commandment. 

Answer. Thou shalt do no murder. 

@. What is primarily forbidden in this command- 
ment? 
4. The wilful taking away my own, or the un- 
lawful taking away another man’s life, and the being 
designedly accessary to my own death, or the illegal 
death of any other person. 


7* 


78 


Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be 
shed, for in the image of God made he man. Ge. ix. 6. iv. 
10.° Nu. xxxv. 30—33. 1 Ki. ii. 32, 33. Ex. xxi. 12, 13. 
xxil. 2. Nu. xxxv. 16—25. De. xvii. 6. xix. 11, 12, 138.7 
Ro. xiii. 4. De. xx. 1, 23, 17. Pr. xx. 18. xxiv. vi. Ja. 
iv. 1, 2. 

Thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword—and 
hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 
2 Sa. xii. 9. 1 Ki. xxi. 19.. De. xxi. 6, 7. Mat. xxvii. 3, 4. 
Lu. xxiii. 24. Aci ii. 23. xiii. 28. vili. 1. Eezexii. 12. 


@. What is secondarily and consequentially for- 
bidden? | 

Al. All acts of hurt and violence, and all manner of 
cruelty and unmercifulness, hatred and malice; cause- 
less anger and reproachful words ; strife and conten- 
tion, inordinately severe chastisements, actual revenge, 
and every mischievous intention, or desire, upon any 
motive whatever. 


Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow. Ex. ii. 13. xxi. 18—27. 
Matwxxvi.. 51, 52,,67.’.-Jo. xXyviil.:22,.23..-Acs xxii: 2, 3. 
1 Tim. iii. 3. Mat. xxiv. 49. 

Whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have 
need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, 
how dwelleth the love of God in him. 1 Jo. iii. 17. De. xv. 
7. Job xxxi.19. Ja. ii. 15, 16. Mat. xxv. 41, 42, 43. 

Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer. 1 Jo. iii. 15. 
Col. iii. 8. Le. xix. 17. Job xxxi. 29, 30. 

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou 
shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of 
the judgment: But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry — 
with his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the 
Judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Racha, 
shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, 
thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Mat. v. 21, 22. Eph. 
iv. 26. 

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water : 
therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. 
Pr. xvil. 14. xx, 3. xxvi. 21, Hab. i.8. Tit. iii. 9. Ja. iiiZ 
14, 16. 

It hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. 
But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil. Mat. v. 38, 39. 
Ro. xi. 17, 19. 1-Cor. vi. 7. 2 Pe. iii-'9. Pr. xxiv, 29, xx: 
22. Ge. xlix. 6, 7. 


79 


Devise not evil against thy neighbour. Pr. iii. 29. xiv. 22. 
Pas xxi Al.) Zec. viigio. vail? > 'Ac. ix..21.. Ge. 1. 20. 


@. What do you resolve upon to prevent the vio- 
lation of this law? 

1. Heartily to love, and sincerely to endeavour to 
preserve peace with all men; to forgive offences, and 
be easily reconciled to penitent offenders; to be kind 
and tender-hearted to all my fellow-creatures; to be 
ready to succour any one in danger and distress; and 
to take care to preserve my own life and health, by 
avoiding apparent dangers, by governing my sensual 
appetites, and by the use of such other means con- 
ducing thereto, as fall within my power. 


Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love. 
Ro. xis 10 He. x. 24. xis 1% 1 Pe. 6-22.02 1.'Thi‘tv, 9. 
Mat. v. 44. 

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably 
with all men. Ro. xii. 18. He. xii. 14. Eph. iv. 3. Ps. 
exxxilil. 1. Mat.v. 9. 

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any 
man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, 
so also do ye. Col. ili. 13. Mar. xi. 25. Mat. xvii. 21, 22. 
v. 23, 24. ; 

Be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one 
another, even as God for Christ’s sake, hath forgiven you. 
Eph. iv. 32. v. 2. Col. iii. 12. 1 Cor. xiii. 4. Ro. xii. 15. 
1 Pe. iii. 8. He. xiii. 3. Ge. J. 21. 

Which of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto 
him that fell among the thieves? And he said, he that shewed 
mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, go, and do thou 
likewise. Lu. x. 36, 37, 30—35. Ac. xvi. 33. Job xxix. 
12—17. Pr. xxxi. 6. Is. lviii. 7. Ro. xii. 20. Mat. xxv. 
34, 35, 36. 

When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another. 
Mat. x. 23. iv. 7. 2 Cor. xi. 32. 33. 

Her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the 
dead. Pr. ii. 18; 19..v. 3—11. 1~Cor: vi. 18. Pr. xxiii. 
29—32. xiv. 30. Ps. xxxvil. 11. 


80 


CHAPTER XXX. 


Question. Which is the seventh commandment ? 

Answer. ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

@. What sins are forbidden by this commandment, 
and reducible to it? 

A. Unlawful intercourse between men and women 
not married to each other; incest, or the marriage of 
near relations; and all kinds of uncleanness what- 
soever. 


The man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, 
even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, 
the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. 
E06 XX bi Oy BVM 20:5: Ons Vill yD, ES ees. Loe Pret Vi. 
25—35. vil. 22, 23. Job xxxi. 9, 10, 11. Ge. xxxix. 9. 
Mal. iii. 5. He. xiii. 4. 

Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornica- 
tion, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and 
whoso marrieth her which is put away, doth commit adultery : 
Mat. xix. 9,3—8. 1 Cor. vi. 16. vii. 2, 4,5. Mal. ii. 14, 15, 
16.47 1, Dims iits2i/ 3 Tited..6. - Job xxmieds2:.3. 

This is the will of God even your sanctification, that ye 
should abstain from fornication. 1 Th. iv. 3, 4,5. 1 Cor. vi. 
18.,, De. xxiii. 172.) Pri xxii..14,-xxix. 8.,/1 Coroxi § «Ge. 
XxXxiv. 27,31. Eph.v. 5,6. Re. xxii. 15. Ex. xxii. 16, 17. 
De. xxi. 28, 29. : 

None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to 
him, to uncover their nakedness. Le. xviii. 6—30. 2 Sa. 
xili. 11—14. Ex. xxii. 11. 1 Cor. v. 1. 

The Lord knoweth how to reserve the unjust unto the day 
of judgment to be punished; but chiefly them that walk after 
the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness. 2 Pe. ii. 9,10. Ga. v. 
19. Eph,iv.19, Ro. i. 24, 26, 27,32. Ge. xiii. 13. xix. 5, 
24. Jude 7 1 Ki. xiv. 24. xv. 12. 1 Cor. vi. 9,10. Job 
xx, 1]—14. 


@. Is there nothing here forbidden, but criminal 
actions ? 

4. Yes: All lascivious thoughts, desires, and 
actions, which are willingly entertained and delighted 
in; and all things which have a direct tendency to 
incite irregular appetites in ourselves, or others; such 


81 


particularly, as wanton looks and behaviour, immo- 
dest dress, lewd discourse, idleness, and luxury in 
eating and drinking. 

Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath com- 
mitted adultery with her already in his heart. Mat. v. 28. 
Po Vi 20. Jani. I-15. 

Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for 
the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ro. xiii. 14. Lu. xii. 18, 
mio. <1is..v. 11;.12. ; Howig.11. 

_ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. Ps. cxix. 37. 
Brow JOU mxxt 1, 7, Sa ee. 11, 14. , sv iit 16; 

There met him a woman with the attire of an harlot. Pr. 
vii. 10. Ge. xxxviii. 15. 

Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not 
be once named amongst you, as becometh saints: neither 
filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not con- 
venient. Eph. v. 3, 4. iv. 29. 1 Cor. xv. 33. 

This was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and 
abundance of idleness was in her, and in her daughters. Ez. 
xvi. 49. 1 Tim. v. 13. 

Let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and 
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness. Ro. xiii. 13. 
PPesivas. Jer. v.-7. 


Q. What is required of all christians, according to 
the gospel interpretation of this commandment? 

A. To keep themselves undefiled members of 
Christ’s body, and if it be expedient, to marry dis- 
creetly, and in the fear of God; and being married, 
both parties are to be true to the marriage vows, and 
kind and loving to one another. 


Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? 
Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the 
members of an harlot? God forbid. 1 Cor. vi. 15—20. 1 Pe. 
Mie), 2: 

To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and 
let every woman have her own husband. 1 Cor. vii. 2, 9. 
Pr. v. 15—19. 1Tim.v.14. Pr. xxxi. 30. He. xiii. 4. 

For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall 
cleave to his wife ; and they twain shall be one flesh. Where- 
fore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore 
God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Mat. xix. 
Dp, 6. Ge.ii, 24. Mar. x. 7,8. . 


82 


Let every one of you in particular, so love his wife, even 
as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. 
Eph. v. 33, 2232. Col. iii. 18, 19. 1 Pe. iii, 17. 

Q. What is further incumbent upon all, whether 
married or single persons ? 

/l. Strictly to guard against, and resolutely to 
withstand all inordinate lust: And, to that purpose, 
to regulate as much as may be, their thoughts and 
eyes; to avoid exciting familiarities ; to be chaste in 
their conversation, modest in their dress ; sober and 


temperate, careful in the choice of their company ; | 


diligent in some innocent employment; and to all 
other means, to add fasting, as occasion requires, and 
constant prayer for divine grace, to assist them in 
keeping this law. 

They that are in Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the 
affections and lusts. Ga. v.24. Col. 111. 55:6) Eph. iv. 22, 
23. Ro. viii. 18. 2 Pe. i. 4. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit 
within me. Ps. li. 10. Jer. xvii. 9,10. Mat. xv. 39. 2 Cor. 
vii: 1. 

If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from 
thee: for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members 
should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into 
hell. Mat. v.29. Ge. xxxiv. 2. xxxix.’7. iii. 6. 

Put filthy communication out of your mouth. Col. iii. 8. iv. 6. 

I will that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with 
shamefacedness and sobriety. 1 Tim.ii.8,9,10. 1 Pe. iii. 3, 4. 

Every man that striveth for the mastery, is temperate in all 
things. 1 Cor. ix. 25. Pr. xxiii. 31, 32, 33. 

I have written unto you, not to keep company, if any man 
that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an 
idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with 
such an one, no not to eat. 1 Cor. vy. 11. Eph. v. 11, "Ps, 
XXvl. 4, 5. cxix. 63, 115. Ez. ix. 14. 

She eateth not the bread of idleness. Pr. xxxi. 27. 2 Th. 
Lig 1,12. 

I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection. 1 Cor. 
ix. 27. Ps. Ixix. 10. Mat. xvii. 21. 


The end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and 
Watch unto prayer. 1 Pe. iv. 7. Mat. vi. 13. xxvi. 41. : 


2 Cor. xii. 7,8, 9. 1 Th. v. 23. 


. 


83 


CHAPTER XXXI. 


Question. Which is the eighth commandment ? 

Answer. 'Thou shalt not steal. 

Q. What, in general, is to be accounted a breach 
of this commandment ? | 

Jl. Every unlawful, or indirect way of taking, or 
_ withholding from any man, or association of men, 
whatever, that which belongs to them by the laws of 
God and the country. 

You do wrong and defraud, and that your brethren. Know 
ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of 
God. 1 Cor. vi. 8,9. Col. ili. 25. Lu. xvi. 10. Jer. xvii. 
11. xxii. 13. Pr. x. 2, 9. xi. 7. xx. 21. xxviii. 8. 

@. What are the sins of this kind, which the scrip- 
ture does more especially condemn, and particularly 
warn us against ? 

41. Depriving a man of his lands, forcible robbery, 
or secret thievery of his goods; sacrilege, extortion, 
and oppression ; detaining the wages of the labourer, 
and servant, and in them eye-service, or other un- 
faithfulness ; running into debt beyond our ability to 
pay, and refusing to pay just debts, when we are 
able : using false weights and measures, and any deceit 
and fraud in bargains and contracts; wresting human 
Jaws to the screening injurious practices, and giving 
any assistance or encouragement to the committers of 
them. 

Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. De. 
XXvii. 17. xix. 14. Pr. xxii. 28. Mi. ii. 2. 1 Ki. xxi. 7, 15, 
16. Job xx. 19, 20. xxii. 38, 39, 40. . 

A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and — 
fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment. Lu. 
x. 39. Jo. xviii. 40. x.10. Ex. xxii. 2, Ju.ix. 25. 1 Sa. 
xxiii. 1. Pr. xxi. 7. Lu. iii. 14. 


Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to 
another. Le. xix. 11. Pr. ix. 17. xx. 17. Jo. xii.6. Zec. 


ow & 1 Pe. iv. Lo 


84 


Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me: but ye say 
wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye 
are cursed with a curse? for ye have robbed me even this 
whole nation. Mal. iii. 8,9. Ro. ii. 22. Ez. vii. 22. Pr. 
xx. 25. Ac. v. 3. 

Neither thieves, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom 
of God. 1 Cor. vi. 10. Lu. iii. 138. Mat. xxiii. 25. Ez. 
xxii. 12, 13. De. xxiii. 19, 20. 

The people of the land have used oppression; therefore 
have I poured out my indignation upon them. Ez. xxii. 29, 
31. Pr. xxii. 16. Job xxvii. 13—23. xxxi. 21, 22, 23. Is. 
iii. 14. 15. Am. iii. 10. viii. 4, 5,6. Zec. vii. 10. 

Wo unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, 
and his chambers by wrong, that useth his neighbour’s ser- 
vice without wages, and giveth him not for his work. Jer. 
xxii. 13. Mal. iii. 5. Ja.v.4. Le. xix. 13. 

Servants be obedient to them that are your masters—not 
with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of 
Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Eph. vi. 5, 6. 
Col. Ws 22 eine. 9, 10. Gu. akvi. J, 10. 

The wicked borroweth and payeth not again. Ps. xxxvii. 
DA ane IL. AM de BV 1a thas iets X11 ithe 

A false balance is abomination to the Lord; but a just 
weight is his delight. Pr. xi. 1. xx. 10. De. xxv. 13—16. 
Mi. vi. 10, 11. 

If thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of 
thy neighbour’s hand, ye shall not oppress one another. Le. 
XxVi 14S Proxxed4. AT) 1Psixsn%si dobeesis 4p 

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert 
the ways of judgment. Pr. xvii. 23. Ex. xxiii. 2,6. Le. 
xIx.15. (De. xvi: 19. xxiv. 17. xxvii. 19°" Am: ¥i. 13. - Mi- 
ii. 9. Ja. ii. I—6. 1 Cor. vi. 1—8. Mat. v. 40. 

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him. 
Ps. 1.18.....Pr. xxix. 24, 1, 15, 


Q. Are there any other ways of breaking this 
commandment. 

4. As many as there are ways, direct or indirect, 
of cheating and doing wrong, on a small or large 
scale; but to those already mentioned need only be 
added uncharitableness to such as are not able to 
support themselves, and depriving ourselves or fami- 
lies of a competency, by wastefulness, or sloth. 


85 


Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is 
in the power of thine hand to doit. Pr. iii. 27, Job xxxi. 
16—22. De. xv. 7, 8, 10. 

He wasteth his substance with riotous living. Lu. xv. 13, 
14. Pr. v. 8, 10, 11. xix. 26. 

He that is slothful in his work, is brother to him that is a 
great waster. Pr. xviii. 9. xix. 15. xxiv. 30—34. Ec. x. 18. 


Q. What are the duties, which, on the other hand, 
we are obliged to? . 
_ dt. They may all-be resolved into the practice of 
‘universal justice; and, in case of failure therein, 
restitution, to the utmost of our ability. And, as 
subservient hereto, we must look upon industry, 
frugality, and charity, to be indispensably required of 
us, ina suitable proportion to that state of life wherein 
Providence has placed us. 


He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly, he 
that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands 
from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of 
blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil. He shall dwell 
on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, 
bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure. Is. xxxiil. 
15,16. Jer. vii. 5, 6, 7. xxii. 15,16. Ez. xviii. 5—9. Mi. 
your. br, xe. S$: -Ps. xv. cvig 

Behold, here I am, witness against me before the Lord, and 
before his anointed, whose ox have I taken? or whose ass 
have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I 
oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe, to 
blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it to you. 1 Sa. 
Zl. o> OD RXX1..75.5.") LU. Mix. 8 -, Lé,Vi.4,5., Exo xxii, 
a. %, XXxXilielb... Ge. xii. 12. Nu. v.6, 7, &. 

Let them that stole, steal no more; but rather let him 
labour, working with his hands, the thing which is good, that 
he may have to give to him that needeth. Eph.iv. 28. Pr. 
vi. 6—11. xii. 11. xx. 13. xxx. 8, 9. 

Be not among wine-bibbers, amongst riotous eaters of flesh. 
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty, and 
drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Pr. xxiii. 20, 21. 
xxix. 3. xxi. 17,20. Jo. vi. 12. Is,lyv. 2. 

Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by 
shewing mercy to the poor. Da. iv. 27. Le. xix, 9. xxv. 35. 
Praee. 1.010. ET..xix. 17. Psi xxXvee cus xite I, ve 3. 
Is. lviii. 10, 11. Lu. xi. 41. 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18. 

8 


86 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


Question. Which is the ninth commaridment > | 

Answer. Thou shalt not bear false witness 
against thy neighbour. 

@. What is forbidden in this commandnient ? 

#. The affirming that for truth, in judicial pro- 
ceedings, the certainty of which we are not assured | 
of; the subornation of false witnesses; or wilfully” 
having any hand in false evidence. ) 


A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speak- 
eth lies shall notescape. Pr. xix. 5, 9. xxv. 18. Ex. xxiii. 1. 
De. xix. 16—19. Lu. iii. 14. xix. 8. Ac. xxv. 7. 

The chief priests and elders, and all the council, sought 
false witness against Jesus to put him to death. Mat. xxvi. 
59. Ac. vi. 13. 1 Ki. xxi. 10. 

Keep thee far from a false matter: and the innocent and the 
righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. 
Ex. xxili. 7,8. 1 Ki. xxi. 10—13. 2 Chr. xix. 2, 6,'7. Ps. 
IXXEH ales, OLN. cL. PT, SXIV., Phe Ee. 

@, What faults in common or private conversation 
fall under this prohibition ? 

41. All manner of lying, and all defamatory vices: 
of slandering, evil speaking, backbiting, tale-bearing, 
whispering, and rash censuring. 


Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old! 
man with his deeds. Col. iii. 9. Jo. viii. 44. Ps. lii. 3, 4. 
Ivili. 8. cxix. 163. Job xiii.'7. Ho. vii. 3. Re. xxi. 8. xxii. 
IG pwr Xit. ice. 

He that uttereth a slander is a fool. Pr.x.18. Ps. xi. 2. 
}20. ° Lu. xiv 13. Ac. ii..13, ‘Tit: ii. 38. 

Speak evil of no man. ‘Tit.iii. 2. Ja.iv. 11. 1 Pe. ii. 1. 
AC. XxiHi.w. Jude, 8:. 

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry coun- 
tenance a backbiting tongue. Pr. xxv. 23. Ps. ci. 5. xv. 3. 
Ro. i. 30. 2 Cor. xii. 20. Ge. xlix. 17. 

Thou shalt not go up and down, as a tale-bearer, among thy 
people. Le. xix. 16. Pr. xviii. 8. xx. 19. xxvi. 20. 1 Pe. 
iv. 16.© Ez: xxii. 9, 


87 


A whisperer separateth chief friends. Pr. xvi. 28. Ro. i. 
29. 2 Cor. xii. 20... Pg.xlt. 7. 
Judge not, that ye be not judged. Mat. vii. 1. Ro. ii. 1. 
txay, 4, -Javiv. 12.1 Cor, iy. 3,4. 
_ @. May this commandment condemn the manner 
in which servants are sometimes taught to reject 
visitors ? 

A. Yes: For it causes them to speak falsehoods, 
and to esteem as trivial, other kinds of falsehood. 
_ @. Is this command often violated by those who 
| seem to be unconscious of sin? 

A. Yes, much of the idle conversation of the 
world, the circulation of rumours, the exaggeration 
of trivial occurrences, the effort to be sprightly and 
entertaining, at the expense of truth and charity, are 
daring violations of this command. 

@. What duties are here enjoined ° 
- A. To be religiously strict in the government of 
the tongue; and especially in keeping it within the 
bounds of truth; to be so far from blasting, as to 
vindicate your neighbour’s reputation, if it be fairly 
in our power; in all cases to judge as candidly, as 
we can; and, where a greater public or private good 
does not forbid it, to conceal the faults of others. 

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth 
not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart: this man’s reli- 
gion is vain. Ja. i. 26. iii. 2,8. 1 Pe. iii. 10. Pr. xii. 13. 
at. 2S. PS. xxxix.'1, 2, Prvxv. 4: 

Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neigh- 
bour. Eph. iv. 25. Zec. viii. 16. Pr. xii, 17,19. Is. Ixiil. 
SPs. xv. 1, 2. 

A good name is better than precious ointment. Ee. vii. 1. 
me xxii. 1, 1 Pe, 3% 16: 

This man hath done nothing amiss. Lu. xxiii. 41, 47. Jo. 
vii. 50, 51. 1 Sa. xix. 4. 

Charity thinketh no evil, believeth all things, hopeth all 
things. “1 Cor. xii. 4, 5,7. Ac. xxvi. 27. Jo. vii, 24. 

Charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Pe.iva8. Pr. 
x. 12. xi. 13. xvii. 9. Le.v. 1. De. xiii. 6-11. 


88 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


@uestion. Which is the tenth commandment? 

Answer. ‘Thou shalt not covet thy neigh- 
bour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neigh- 
bour’s wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor 
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. 

@. What sins are here forbidden ? 

“1. Every misplaced or inordinate desire of any 
_ other man’s separate property, together with envy of 
his condition, and repining at our own. 

Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house. 
Hab. ii. 9. Is. lvii.17. Mi. ii. 2. 1 Ki. xxi. 2,3. Jos. vii. 
1,2 * Jer. v. 8. Mat. xiv. 3, 4. 

Thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness. 
Jer. xxii. 17. 1 Ki. xxi. 4. Pr. i. 19. Ec. v. 12. Mar. x. 22. 

Is thine eye evil, because I am good. Mat. xx. 15. Pr: 
xxvii. 4. xiv. 30. Job v.2. 1 Cor. xiii. 4. Ja. iv. 5. 

All this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the 
Jew sitting at the king’s gate. Est.v. 13,9—12. Nu. xiv. 2. 
Ps. evi. 25. 1 Cor. x. 10. 

@. And may we not add to these sins, that which 
is most commonly called covetousness, and any other 
violent and excessive desire? 

“I, Yes: An immoderate craving of superfluous 
abundance, and, in consequence thereof, greediness 
in getting and keeping wealth, and anxiety about any 
of the things of this world, will render us guilty of 
the breach of this commandment: And so must we 


reckon ourselves to be, when we indulge, or consent 


to any sinful lust, or desire whatever. 


Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life 
consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he pos- 
sesseth. Lu. xii. 15—21. Mat. vi. 19, 20. Pr. xxiii. 5. xv. 
16. Ee; v.10, 11. 

Who etlargeth his desire as hell, and-is as death, and cannot 
be satisfied. Hab. ii. 5. Pr. xxvii. 20. Is. lvi. 11. 1 Tim. 
ij. 3,8. Ja. iv. 13, 14. 


| 


! 
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89 


There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is 
common among men; a man to whom God hath given riches 
and wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his 

‘soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to 

eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is 
an evil disease. Ec. vi. 1, 2. iv.8. Ps. xxxix. 6. Pr. xi. 
24, 26. xv. 27, 2 Cor. ix. 7. 1Pe.iv.9. Ja. v. 2, 3. 

Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be 
overcharged with cares of this life. Lu. xxi. 34. vili. 14. x. 
Al. 1 Cor. vii. 32. 

These things were our examples, to the intent we should not 
lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1 Cor. x.6. 1 Jo. 
ii. 16. Jo. i. 14, 1. Ro. vii. 7, 14. 


@. What must we do to prevent the transgression 
of this precept? 

A. Forasmuch as by breaking through this fence 
and safe-guard, we shall open a way to the breach of 
the other precepts of both the first, and second table, 
we have therefore the more need to pray earnestly 
for grace to forsake all covetous desires, and inordi- 
nate love of riches; and after employing an honest 
industry in providing the conveniences and comforts 
of life, to leave the success to God’s Providence, and 
be content with that portion, whatever it be, which 
he allots us. 


Yecannot serve God and mammon. Mat.vi.24. Ja. iv. 4. 
bJoe die 17.06Luy xvi.nl4.,°1 Tim. vil. Ez, xxxiii. 31: 
Am. viii. 5. Mat. xili. 22. 

Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, 
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Mat. xv. 19. 
Pr. xxi. 10. xxviii. 20. 1 Tim. vi. 9. 

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetous- 
ness. Ps. cxix. 36. xxvi. 2. Ixxxvi. 11. cxli. 4. 

I have coveted no man’s silver or gold, or apparel. Yea, 
you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto 
my necessities, and to them that were with me. Ac. xx. 33, 
B4. 2 Th. iii. 7, 8, 9. Pr. xiii. 4, xxi. 25. 

Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the 
land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Ps. xxxvi. 3. xxxiv. 10. 
im 22, Phi.ive6.. 1 Pe. v..7 

Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be con- 
tent with such things as ye have. For he hath said, I will 


8* 


90 


never leave thee, nor forsake thee, so that we may boldly say, 
the lord is my helper. He. xiii.5,6. Phi.iv.11,12. I Tim. 
vi. 6,8. Lu. iii. 14. 

@. May we not use other means of guarding | 
against covetousness ? 

Al. Yes: We should observe both the Providences 
of God, and the confessions of good and bad men, 
that we may learn that happiness does not depend 
upon the abundance of riches, honours, or friends, 
but upon the principles and condition of the heart. 

Q. But what must we do with respect to those 
irregular inclinations and desires, which are so apt to 
arise in our hearts ? . 

4. We must watch continually, and pray most 
earnestly and specially, against them ; and where we 
cannot wholly prevent the first motions of evil, there 
we must double our diligence to suppress, and at our 
utmost peril, must so far subdue them, that they do 
not put us upon any contrivances or attempts, to 
gratify and fulfil them. 

Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the 
issues of life. Pr. iv. 23. Mat. xii. 35. He. xii.15. Mat. 
vo: 

Mortify your members which are upon the earth: fornica- 
tion, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, 
and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things sake, 
the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. 


Col. iii. 5, 6. Ga. v. 24. vi. 14. Ro. vi. 6. viii. 18. Eph. 
iV. 22; 26. 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 


Question. What dost thou chiefly learn by 
these commandments ? 

Answer. I learn two things: my duty towards 
God, and my duty towards my neighbour. 


91 


@. From which of the ten commandments do you 
learn your duty towards God ° 

A. From the first four. 

Q. From which do you learn your duty towards 
your neighbour ? 

fl. From the other six. 

Q. What is thy duty towards God. 

A. My duty towards God, is to believe in him, 
to fear him, and to love him with all my heart, 
with all my mind, with all my soul, and with 
all my strength; to worship him, to give him 
thanks, to put my whole trust in him, to call 
upon him, to honour his holy name and his 
word; and to serve him truly all the days of 
my life. 

Q. What is thy duty towards thy neighbour? 

A. My duty towards my neighbour, is to love 
him as myself, and to do to all men as I would 
they should do unto me. ‘To love, honour, 
and succour my father and mother. ‘I’o honour 
and obey the civil authority. ‘To submit my- 
self to all my governors, teachers, spiritual 
pastors and masters. ‘l’o order myself lowly 
and reverently to all my betters. ‘To hurt no 
body by word or deed. ‘T'o be true and just in 
all my dealings. ‘To bear no malice or hatred 
in my heart. ‘To keep my hands from picking 
and stealing, and my tongue from evil speaking, 
lying and slandering. To keep my body in 
temperance, soberness and chastity. Not to 
covet nor desire other men’s goods: but to 
learn and labour truly to get mine own living, 
and to do my duty in that state of life, unto 
which it shall please God to call me. 


92 


Q. What use do you design to make of these 
excellent summaries ? 

A. Always to keep them in my memory, as moni- 
tors and directors of my duty; and to make an 
honest application of the general rules therein con- 
tained, to all particular cases of conscience, and cir- 
cumstances of life. 

The mercy of the Lord is, from everlasting to everlasting, 
upon them that fear him: and his righteousness upon chil- 
dren’s children: to such as keep his covenant, and to those 
that remember his commandments to do them. Ps. cii. 17, 18. 
Nu. xv. 39, 40. Mal.iv.4. Re. ili. 3. 

Herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience 
void of offence toward God, and toward men. Ac. xxiv. 16. 
1 Jo. iii. 10. iv. 20, 21. 

Q. But are you herein sufficiently instructed in 
your duty to yourself, as well as to God and your 
neighbour ? 

A. Yes: For my duty to myself runs through- 
out the whole; and so close, in particular, is the 
connection between it and my duty to God and my 
neighbour, that if I love God, so as to obey him, with 
all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and 
with all my strength, and love my neighbour as 
myself, so far as to do unto all men what reasonably 
T would they should do unto me, I cannot fail in that 


duty I owe to myself. ra 


This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. 
1Jo..v.3. Jo. xiv. 21, 23, 24. Ps. cxix. 10. 

All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, 
do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 
Mat. vii. 12. Lu. vi. 31. Pr. xxiv. 29. 

Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 
Lu. x. 28, 25, 26, 27. 1Tim.iv.8. Pr. xix. 16. Ez. xviii. 
27. Ro. vi. 22. 


Q. But though your duty to God, your neighbour, 
and yourself, cannot be separated, yet since they 
may be, and are commonly distinguished, where, in 
the Catechism, do you learn your duty to yourself? 


93 


i. It is contained in that part of my baptismal 
covenant, wherein I promised to renounce the world, 
the flesh and the devil; and it is interwoven with 
that part of my duty towards my neighbour, wherein 
IT owned myself obliged to keep my body in tempe- 
rance, soberness, and chastity, and to learn and labour 
truly to get mine own living, and to do my duty in that 
state of life, unto which it shall please God to call me. 


Add to knowledge, temperance. 2 Pe. i. 5,6. Lu. xxi. 
34. Eph.v. 18. Pr. xxv. 16. 

Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober. 1 Pe. i. 13. 
Tit. 1. 2, 4,6. 1Th. v. 6, 7, 8«. Mat. v. 5. xvill.’4, 

I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present 
you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 2 Cor. xi. 2. Jo. ili. 3. 
Eph. v. 5. 2 Tim. il. 22. 

This we commanded you, that if any would not work, 
neither should he eat. 2 Th. iii. 10,11, 12. Pr. x. 4, 5, 16. 
Xill. 4. xiv. 23. 

We beseech you, brethren, that ye study to be quiet, and to 
do your own business, and to work with your own hands. 
Beth... ivy 10891) 92: 01 Corivily 207 220024) Phi. iv. 11. 
Ro. xii. 11. 


@. Since then you cannot pretend ignorance of 
vour duty either to God, your neighbour, or your 
self, how ought you to behave in relation thereto. 

A. I do sincerely and steadfastly purpose to lead 
a godly, righteous, and sober life; that so I may 
avoid the guilt and danger of him, who knows his 
master’s will, and does it not. 


The grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to 
all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly 
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this 
present world: looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious 
appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all 
iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous 
of good works. Tit. ii. 11—14. Mi. vi. 8. Mat. xxiii. 23. 
Samiaet. 1 Tim? i: '6,8—iT. 

That servant which knew his Lord’s will, and prepared not 
himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with 
many stripes:’ Lu xil. 47: Jo. ix. 4 Rovis $2. *Ja. iv. 
17. Jo, xiii. 17, 


9A 


CHAPTER XXXV. 


Question. My good child, art thou able to do 
these things of thyself. | 

Answer. No, being weak and frail, I cannot walk 
in the commandments of God, and serve him, 
as I ought to do, without a measure of his special 
grace; but so much as shall be sufficient to enable 
me thereto, is promised in his holy word. 

Without me ye can do nothing. Jo. xv. 5. vi. 44. Ro. vii. 
18. 1 Cor. iil. 6. Jer. x. 23. 

My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made 
perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. xii.9. Ro. x. 12. Eph. iii. 20. 
Phi. i. 6. 

@. How must this special grace be obtained? 

A. I must learn at all times to call for it by 
diligent prayer. 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto 
your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father 
give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him. Lu. xi. 13. Mat. 
KEL 220 0 a0 O. SL De Leet ds 

Q. What do you mean by representing it as neces- 
sary to call upon God at all times ? 

4. That it is our duty to be very frequent in our 
addresses to the throne of grace; and especially to be 
as constant, as we can, at the house of God, for the 
benefit of joining in the prayers there offered; to 
pray’! as we have opportunity, with the family, of 
which any of us is head, or member; and never to 
omit our morning and evening devotions at least, in 
private. 


He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought 
always to pray and not to faint. Lu. xviii. 1. 1 Th. v. 17. 

My house is the house of prayer. Lu. xix. 46. xxiv. 53. 
Is. lvi.'7. 2 Chr. vii. 15,16. Ac. ii. 46. iii. 1. Ps. xlviii.9. 
Ne. xiii. 11. 

Where two or three are gathered together in my name, 


95 


there am I in the midst of them. Mat, xviii. 20,19. Zec. 
viii. 21. Lu. i. 10. ii. 37. 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Jos. 
xxiv. 10. Jer? x20: rs. Cl, ty 2. 

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the 
morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 
Ps. y. 8. lix. 16. Ixxxvili. 13. exliii. 8. 

Let my prayer be set forth before thee, as incense; and the 
lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice. Ps. cxli. 2. 
Xcli. 22 ex. xxix. 38)'39, 31. xxx.°7, 8: 

When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou 
hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and 
thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 
Mat. vi. 6. xiv. 23. Is. xxvi. 20. 2 Ki. iv. 33. 


Q. Is this all that is required ? 

A. No, a devout person of leisure, will likewise 
retire, at some other time of the day, for this spiritual 
exercise ; and the most busy will, as occasion invites, 
lift up his soul to God, in pious ejaculations. 


Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry 
aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Ps. lv..17. Da. vi. 10. 
Ac. X..2, 3,9. Ps. exix. 164. 

Unto thee O Lord do I lift up my soul. Ps. xxv. 1. Ixxxvi. 
4. Ge. xxiv. 42—45. 1 Sa.i.15. 2 58a. xv. 31. Ne. ii. 4, 
@. What do you mean by diligent prayer? 

A. Prayer offered up with the utmost zeal and 
fervency of affection, and with as little wandering and 
distraction of mind as is possible. 

Continuing instant in prayer. Ro. xii. 12. Col. iv. 2. 
Eph. vi. 18. Lu. xxii. 44. Ps. xvii. 1. Pr. xxiii. 26. La. 
lii. 41. , 

Attend upon the Lord without distraction. 1 Cor. vii. 35. 
Isexxix. 13. Mat. xv.7,8. Ez. xxxiil. 31. 

Q. And will prayer, when it is thus frequent and 
devout, be accepted and answered ? 

A. Most certainly, in God’s good time and way, if 
the subject matter thereof be lawful and allowable ; 
and if it be presented in the name of Christ, by a 
pious and well disposed soul, with a firm reliance 
upon God, that he will do what is best for us, 


96 


The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth 
much... Ja.v. 16, 47. dae u. xis 9402 do. vob. oe SX. 
17s xxxivs15,/17,,.cxlved8.. .1s-Jviii. 9, 

This is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask 
any thing according to his will, he heareth us. 1 Jo. v. 14. 
Ja, i. 5. iv. 8. He. iv. 16. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the 
Father in my name, he will give it you. Jo. xvi. 23, 24. xiv. 
14. Col. iii. 17. .He. xiii. 15. 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask 
what ye will, andit shall be done unto you. Jo. xv. 7. ix. 31. 
AJ ORL 22.902 M22. 0) Dam li 8; “Pa Ix ge a0; 
KV, ee KEV lean LD, Ix, te 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. Ja. 1. 6, 7. 
Mar. xi. 24.° He. x,,22. Eph. iii. 12. 1 Jo. 11.2% 

Q. But must we not also take care in what words 
we express our desires to God? 

1. Although in our petitions for supply of private 
wants, or our thanksgivings for personal favours, we 
need not be scrupulous about exactness of words, 
yet to be sure in all set and solemn devotions, espe- 
cially public, a great deal of care ought to be taken 
of the manner of expression, as well as of the matter 
of prayer. 

Before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet 
speaking, I will hear. Is. lxv. 24. Mat. vi. 8, 32. Ro. viii. 
26 


When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; 
for they think that they shall be heard for their much speak- 
ing.’ Mat! vi.:7, 8.5 Be. v..2: 

@, But what provision have we against those 
deficiencies, which, notwithstanding our utmost care, 
our own compositions are liable to, in both these 
respects ? 

. That form of prayer, which, in compassion to 
the infirmities of men, our blessed Saviour was 
pleased to teach his disciples; requiring their con- 
stant use of it, and prescribing it as a pattern for all 
other forms superadded to it. 


97 


The Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what 
we should pray for, as we ought. Ro. viii. 26. Mat. xx. 22. 
Ja. iv. 3. 

When ye pray, say our Father, &c. Lu. xi. 2, 1. 

After this manner pray ye: Our Father, &c. Mat. vi.9, 7, 8. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 


| Catechist. Let me hear if thou canst say the 
Lord’s prayer ? | 

Answer. Our Father, who art in heaven, 
Hallowed be thy name. ‘Thy kingdom come. 
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our trespasses, as we forgive those who tres- 
pass against us. And lead us not into tempta- 
tion: but deliver us from evil. Amen. 

@. Is this the whole Lord’s prayer ? 

A. This is all we are directed to offer up to God 
by way of request, and there is no more set down by 
St. Luke. 

@. What is implied in that solemn invocation, Our 
Father who art in heaven ° 

A. When I call God Father, I not only address 
myself to him, as the maker and governor of the 
world, but as the Father of all christians in Christ 
Jesus; in whose name alone it is, that I say, and 
hope for acceptance of, this prayer. And because | 
believe God to be a common Father, to whom all may 
resort, as also that I may declare my communion 
with, and good will to, all my brethren of the same 
household of faith, I say our Father, not my Father. 
And because the throne of his power and glory is in 
heaven, whence he looks down upon all his creatures 


9 


98 


that call to him, I therefore say our Father who art 
in heaven. 


I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth. Mat. xi. 
25. 1 Cor. viii. 6. De. xxxii. 6. : 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children, by 
Jesus Christ to himself. Eph.i.3,5. Ga.iv.6. Jo. i. 12, 
13. Ro. i. 7. 

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath 
made us accepted in the beloved. Eph. i. 6. ii. 18. Mat. 
Xvii. 5. 

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all 
that call upon him in truth. Ps. cxlv. 18, 19, 20. xxxii. 6. 
xxxiv. 15. De. iv. 7. 

There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in 
one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 
one God and father of all. Eph. iv. 4, 5, 6. Mal. ii. 10. 
Eph. i. 15, 16. iii. 14, 15, 16. r 

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool. Ac. vil. 
49. Ps. xi. 4. ciii.19. 1 Ki. viii. 39. 2 Chr. xx. 6. 

@. What do we gather, for our instruction and 
direction, from the liberty allowed us of praying to 
God, under the title of Father. 

fl. That God is the fountain of all goodness, as 
well as of all life,and that we may, and ought to 
address ourselves to him with an humble dependence 
upon his willingness to do, whatever his unerring 
wisdom sees best for us. 

Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and 
cometh down from the Father of lights. Ja.i. 17. Pr. ii. 6. 
Jo, iii. 27. Ro. xi. 36. 1 Cor. i. 3. 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto 
your children, how much more shall your Father, which is in 
heaven, give good things to them that ask him. Mat. vii. 11, 
8,9, 10. Is. Ixiii. 15,16. Ps. ciii. 13. xxvii. 10. 

Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all 
these things. Mat. vi.32. 2 Pe.ii.9. 1Sa.iii. 18. 2 Sa. 
x. 12. xv. 26. 

@. What do we then, when we say, our Father? 

A. We pray for others, as well as ourselves, and 
join together in common prayer for common wants. 


| 
| 


99 


Pray one for another. Ja. v.16. Eph. vi. 18. 1 Tim. ii. 


Loe? Th. v. -25 


Many were gathered together, praying. Ac. xii. 12. 1. 14. 


jv. 24, 31. 1 Cor. xi. 17, 18, 20. Joel ii. 16,17. Zep. ili. 9. 


Ps. xxxiv. 3. 
Q. What does the specification of the highest seat 


of his infinite majesty teach us ? 


4. That the ability of our heavenly Father far 
exceeds that of our earthly parents to supply all our 
needs; and that whenever we present our petitions 
‘to him, we ought to do it with the most serious con- 
’ sideration, the profoundest humility, and the utmost 
devotion and reverence of which we are capable. 


The things which are impossible with men, are possible 
with God. Lu. xviii. 27. Ps. cxxxv. 5, 6. cxv. 3. Jer. 
xxxii. 27. Ps. Ixxxix. 26. Is. xvii. 7. 

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty 
to utter any thing before God : for God is in heaven, and thou 
upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ec. v.2. 1 De. 
iv. 39. 

Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, 
whose name is holy ; I dwell in the high and holy place, with 
him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the 
spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite 
ones. Is. lvii. 15. ii. 10. Lu. xviii. 9—14. 

Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the 
heavens. La. ili. 41. Ps. xxviii. 2. exxiil. 1. 

Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, 
with reverence and godly fear. He. xii. 28. Ps. ii. 11. 
Ixxxix. 7. Mal. i. 6. 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 


Question. How many petitions are contained in 
the Lord’s prayer ? 

Answer. Six: Of which the first three more 
directly relate to God’s glory ; and of those three, 
the first is Hallowed be thy name. 


100 | 


@. What ought we to understand here by the name 
of God? 

A. The name of God here is to be extended and 
applied, not only to God himself, his titles, and attri- 
butes; but to his word and ordinances, and to places, 
times, persons, and things, separated from common 
use, and set apart for the honour and service of his 
name. 


O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the 
earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Ps. viii. 1. 
xliv. 20. Is. xlii. 8. 

I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by 
the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH 
was I not known to them. Ez. vi. 3. iii. 18, 14, 15. Ps. 
Ixxxili. 18. 2Sa.vi.2. Jer.xlvi. 18. Re. xix. 16. 

I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will 
proclaim the name of the Lord before thee. Ex. xxxiii. 19. 
XENI RO Ok Vested CC Vel fA. Se 20h oe wee cee 
cxi. 9, 

That the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blasphemed. 
1 Tim. vi. 1. Ps. cxxxviii. 2. - Ac. xiii. 48. Ja.:v. 10. 

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of 
the Lord. Ps. cxvi. 18,17. Mat. xxviii. 19. Ac. ii. 38. 

I have hallowed this house—to put my name there for ever. 
1 Ki..ix.3.0v. 8: ivillsc 44, 45... Next: 9.0 Dacix.18. #2 Cur. 
XXXvi. 14. 

Hallow ye the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. 
JORX VIL 220 Jka eke, 5, LUZ. XX ee. Oe, eee ees 
Ivili. 138. 

The Lord thy God hath chosen him (the priest)—to stand 
to minister in the name of the Lord. De. xviii. 5, 6,7. xxi. 
5.. Kz. v. 1). Jo. v.43. Ac. ix. 15; 27. aie. via, 

Every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord. Le. 
SEV ss 10, 22. XIX. /S., Nb. v-79. 102 ox Vis as) ae De 
xevEis, 14. 1 Chrvrmaiio lent ha oklialo. sae ieee 
XSUy. 19. xX¥vi, 26°27. °F “Tim.avoo-. 


@. What do we pray for with respect to these? 

A. That all, and every one of them, may have such 
esteem and reverence paid to them, and may be 
treated after so holy a manner, as is due to each of + 
them respectively. 


101 


They shall teach my people the difference between the holy 
and the profane. Ez. xliv. 23. Le. x. 3. xxii. 32. Mal. 1. 
12. ii. 2... Is. v. 16. viii, 18. xxix. 23. 1 Sa. ii. 20. 

Q. What do we learn from hence? 

Al. That the glory of God should be our chief 
aim, and the governing end of all our actions; that 
his name ought to be adored, and magnified by us, 
and all the world; and that we should endeavour to 


promote the honour of it, by an exemplary behaviour 


‘in all matters relating to piety and holiness. 


 — 


Whether ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the 
plory-ot) Gods ae Gor. x. Gt..° Col’ni: b7. 78) Per ‘iv. (1 
Ard gts: Lig Les 

All nations whom thou hast made, shall come and worship 
before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name: for thou art 
great, and dost wondrous things; thou art God alone. Ps. 
Ixxxvi. 9, 10. Ixili. 4. 1 Chr. xvi. 29. Zec. xiii. 9. Mal. 
5.11. 

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone 
is excellent, his glory is above the earth and heavens. Ps. 
exlviii. 13. cxili. 1, 2, 3. lxix. 30. xcix. 3, cxlv. 10, 11, 12. 
ts? vi. 1; 2;'3:' *Re: iv:8. / 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your 
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 
Mat. v. 16. Jo. xv.8. Eph.i.12. Ez, xxxvi. 23. 1 Pe. 
ii. 95 ; Re. ii. 18, 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 


Question. Which is the second petition ? 

Answer. Thy kingdom come. 

Q. What kingdom is that, the coming of which 
you here pray for? 

A. The kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; a 
kingdom of a spiritual nature; founded in direct 
opposition to the kingdom of Satan, and for the 
destruction of sin, and death : having its beginning in 


9* 


102 


grace here, and its completion in eternal glory here- 
after. 


After that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, 
epee the gospel of the kingdom of God. Mar. i. 14. 

a. vil. 38,14. Mat. xii. 28. xiii. $1, 33. xxi. 43. “Lu. ix. 2. 
Xvi. 16. 

My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of 
this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be 
delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from 
hence. ‘Jo. xviii. 36. vi. 15. Mat. vi. 33. He. 1. 8. 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and 
hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Col. i. 
13. 1 Jo. iii. 8. Jo. xvi. 11. Eph. ii. 1, 2, 3. vi. 12, 13. 

Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under 
the law, but under grace. Ro. vi. 14. v. 21. vii. 24, 25. Mat. 
v. 19. xii. 24. 

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace 
reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ 
our Lord, Ro. v. 21. vi. 22,23, .1Cor. xv. 26. Is. xxv.8. 
Re..xx. 14, 

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: 
repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mar.i.15. Mat iv. 17. 
Mar. vi. 12. Ac. iii. 19. Lu. i. 74, 75, 79. Tit. ii. 11—14. 

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the king- 
dom of their father. Mat. xiii. 43. v. 10. xxv. 34. Lu. 
XXlil. 42, 43. 

@. What do you pray for with respect thereto ? 

A. That God would bring all those who are yet in 
a state of darkness, into the pale of Christ’s church ; 
and that his grace would so rule in the hearts of all 
christians, that they may be fit to be translated to 
that’ kingdom, which is to be the portion of the 
saints in the world to come, and that he would has- 
ten this end, by blessing and prospering the means. 

Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheri- 
tance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 
Ps. n. 8. Ixvii. 2,3, 4. Ixxii. S—11. Is. ii. 2, 3. x1. 9. . Da. 
wR ge fot. IX. If.” Ac! xy, ioe, bie weaid. “bd. 
Phi. ii. 10,11. Re. xi. 15. 

The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one 


toward another, and towards all men:—to the end he may 
stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even 


103 


our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all 
his saints. 1 Th. iii. 12,18. »2 Cor. xii. 14.. He. xiii. 25. 
2 Tim. iv. 18. . " 

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundant- 
ly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 2 Pe. i. 11. 2 Cor. v.1. 2 Tim. iv. 8. Tit.i. 2. 

Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord 
Desus. | Re, ax, 20.. Ps. xl. 17. xx, Gee Cor cv. 2... 2 
Pe. iil. .12, 13. 


@. What practical lesson does this teach us? 

A. To beware of hindering the propagation of the 
gospel, or of endangering our own salvation, by giv- 
ing any just occasion of offence; to subdue every 
rebellious lust, and be obedient even in our hearts 
and thoughts to the spiritual laws of this kingdom, 
having no other ambition, but to reign with Christ 
our King in his eternal and glorious kingdom. 


Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, 
nor to the church of God. 1 Cor. x. 32. Ro. xiv.13. 1 Jo. 
eG. 1 ia Vol4e Jacl 7. 

Wo to that man, by whom the offence cometh. Mat. 
Xvili. 7. ‘Lu. xvii. 1, 2. Phi. i910, 2'Cor. vi., 95:10. 

Let not sin reign in your mortal ,body, that ye should obey 
it in the lusts thereof. Ro. vi. 12, 13. xiii. 14. 1 Cor. x. 6. 
1 Pert avi bio iv. 2. 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt- 
eth itself against the- knowledge of God, and bringing into | 
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. x. 
5,4. 2 Tim. iii. 5. 

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteous- 
ness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Ro. xiv. 17. 
Col. iii. 15. 1 Cor. iv. 20. 1 Tim. iv. 8. 

Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the 
same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mat. xviii. 4, 1, 
2, 3. xx. 20—28. v. 3. 

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my 
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my 
Father in his throne. Re. iii. 21. Lu. xxii. 29. 


@. Are we not in duty bound to add active exer- 
tions to our prayers for the hastening of Christ’s 
kingdom ? 


104 


. Yes, those prayers could not be judged to flow 
from much love and zeal, which were not accompa- 
nied by corresponding actions, where so much is at 
stake. 


Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial 
before God. Ac. x.4. Mat. vii. 21. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 


Question. What do you request of God in the 
third petition, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in 
heaven ° 

A. That all rational creatures, being filied with the 
knowledge of God’s will, and proposing that will as 
the rule of their actions, and the doing of it as the 
great business of their short time bere on earth, may 
yield such an obedience to the laws given them to live 
by, as the inhabitants of heaven do to the govern- 
ment under which they live. 


We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye 
might be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom 
and spiritual understanding—and increasing in the knowledge 
of God. Col. 1,9, 10. Ps. cxix. 12. Ac. ix. 6. Eph. v. 
17... J0s Wil. Bae, 4% Pe. tit, 

I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which 
hath sent me. Jo. v. 30. vi. 38. He. x. 7. Ro. xii. 2. Jo. 
i. 18. 2 Pe. ii. 10. 

I have created him for my glory. This people have I 
formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise. Is. xliii. 
7, ale ph. u, 10. Deeiv. 10... Mat.wiril9.; . Col. i, 2, 5. 
Phi. 11. 19. Ja. v. 5. 1 Pe. iv. 2. Ps. lxxiii. 25. Jo. xvii. 4. 

The world passeth away and the lust thereof: but he that 
doth the will of God abideth forever. 1 Jo. ii. 17. He. xi. 
13,14. xiii. 14. 1, Chr. xxix. 15. Job vii. 1. viii. 9. Ps. 
KER an CX1x. 19,5 Ke. xii, 7. Ieee 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter 
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my 
Father, which is in heaven. Mat. vii.21. Mar. iii, 35. Ps. 
exlili. 10. He. xiii. 20, 21. 


105 


Bless the Lord ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do 
his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 
Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his that do 
his pleasure. Ps. ciiil. 20, 21. civ. 4. Is. vi. 2. Mat. xviii. 
10. He.i. 14. Re. iv. $—11. 

Q. How far are we to conform to this pattern? 

A. So far, as to perform the commands of God, 
universally, without exception; promptly, without 
delay ; cheerfully, without uneasiness; sincerely, 
without hypocrisy ; and constantly, without intermis- 
sion, or falling away, or being weary of well doing. 

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all 
thy commandments. Ps. cxix. 6. 1 Ki. vi. 12. Lu. i. 6. 
Col. iy. 12. Hexnis 1s. 

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 
Ps. cxix. 60. Lu. xix. 6. Ga.i. 16. 2 Cor. vi. 2. 

I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have 
loved. Ps.cxix. 47. xl.8.cx.3. 1 Chr. xxviii. 9. 1 Cor. ix. 17. 

I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, 
even unto the end. Ps. cxix. 112,111. Ro. ii. 7. 

Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that 
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but 
by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the 
world. 2 Cor.i.12. Jo. i. 47. vi. 26. Ps. xxv. 21. xxxii. 
2. Eph. vi. 6, 7. 

@. But is there no allowance to be made for the 
difference between the nature and capacity of men 
and of angels. 

A. Yes, to be sure. And if our obedience only 
bear such a proportion to our present state and con- 
dition, as the obedience of angels does to theirs, we 
need not doubt our being made equal to them here- 
after, in perfection, both of obedience and happiness, 
as divers vessels, though of different capacity, may 
all be equally full. 

He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are but 
dust. Ps. ciii. 14. Ixxvii. 10. Mat. xxvi. 41. Ro. vi. 19. 

In the resurrection they are as the angels of God in heaven. 
Mat. xxii. 30, He, xii. 22, 23,24. Eph.i. 18,ii. 19. Col. 
i. 12; 1 Cor. xii. 11, 12. xv, 48, 48,-49, 


106 


Q. Does not this petition relate to the disposals, as 
well as the precepts of God? 

A. So far as itis an especial part of God’s will, that 
we should live under a sense of his wise and gra- 
cious overruling providence, and quietly submit to 
all, even the afflicting dispensations thereof. 

He doth according to his will in the army of heaven, and 
among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his 
hand, or say unto him, what dost thou. Da. iv. 35. Ps. 
exxxv. 6. Ro. ix.19. 1 Pe. iii. 17. iv. 19. 

Not as I will, but as thou wilt. Mat. xxvi. 39. xvi. 24. 
1 Sa. iii. 18. 2 Sa.xv.26. Job i. 21. Ps. xxxix.9. Ac. 
xxi. 14. 


CHAPTER XL. 


Question. Which is the fourth petition ? 

Answer. The fourth in order, but the first of the 
last three petitions, which, in subordination to the 
glory of God, relate to the supply of our own more 
immediate wants, is, Give us this day our daily bread. 

Q. What is prayed for in those words ? 

Al. That he, upon whom all creatures depend for 
all subsistence, will be graciously pleased to give to 
us his children, day by day, all things necessary for 
our bodily sustenance, and sufficient also for the 
support of that condition of life, wherein his provi- 
dence hath placed us; and therewith, his blessing 
also in the use and enjoyment of them. 

The eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their 
meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest 
the desire of every living thing. Ps. cxlv. 15, 16. xxiv. i. 
civ. 27. cxlvii. 8, 9,14. Mat. v.45. Ac. xiv. 17. xvii. 25, 
28. De. xxviii. 23,24. Ps. cv. 16. cvii. 34. Ho. ii. 8, 9. 

If God will be with me—and will give me bread to eat, and 
raiment to put on—then shall the Lord be my God. Ge. xxviii. 
20, 21. xlvii. 15. 1 Ki. xviii. 18. Ps. cxxxii. 15. Is. tii, 1. 
Iviil. 7. 


107 


Give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me with food con- 
venient for me. Pr. xxx. 8. Ge. xiv. 18. xviii. 5, 8. xliii, 
Sl. 2 Sa; ix.7. 2 Kizxxyv, 29,30. Ne. ¥.,14)" Pr.xxyit. 
eoea1. Mat. xi. 8. Dn yaed. xiv.2@, 13. <ve dioote.1 oes 
Sie Su-,k. Cor, x, 2% L2. Cor, te. Ss 10; 

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that 
proceedeth cut of the mouth of God. Mat.iv.4. Ex. xxiii. 
25... Da. i. 12—15. Pr.x.22. Ec.v.19.ix.7. Ps. lxxviii. 
30, 31. evi. 15. cxxvii. 2. Mi. vi. 14, 15. 

Q@. What does this teach us ? 

A. To account only that bread to be our own, and 
the gift of God, which is procured by our honest 
labour and industry, or comes to us by some direct 
and lawful means; and to rest satisfied and contented 
with that portion, whatever it be, which is dispensed 
to us in one or other. of those ways. 

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return 
unto the ground. Ge. ili. 19. Ex. xx. 9. Ps. civ. 21, 22, 
2S eke Poa Sil. Ble XX e 2h.0 a Ee 1.125% Pa, 
CXXVili. 2. 

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man: but afterwards his 
mouth shall be filled with gravel. Pr. xx. 17. ix. 17. iv. 17. 
xiii. 11. Ps. xxxvii. 16. 

Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 1 Tim. 
vi. 8, 6,7. Phi. iv. 11. He. xiii. 5. Lu. xii. 15. Pr. xiv. 14. 

@. What may we farther learn from our Lord’s 
teaching us to pray for daily bread? 

1. To provide, but not to be solicitous for the 
future; to expect that as men must continue to work, 
day by day, so they must pray day by day, for the 
food of body and soul, and with prayer for what we 
want, and thankfulness for what we have, entirely to 
depend upon our Heavenly Father, for so much of this 
world’s good, as he knows to be best for us, in order 
to that life to come, which we ought to be chiefly 
intent upon. 

Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise ; 
which provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her 
food in the harvest. Pr. vi. 6,8. xill. 22. 2 Cor. xii. 14. 
Ge. xxx. 30. De. xxi. 17. 1 Tim. v.8. 1 Cor. xvi.'1, 2. 


108 


Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take 
thought for the things of itself; sufficient unto the day is the 
evil thereof. Mat. vi. 34, 25—33. Lu. xii. 29. Ez. xii. 19. 
Ja. iv. 13, 14. 

Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and 
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made 
known unto God. Phi. iv.6. Mat. vi. 11. Ja. iv. 3. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 
who satisfieth thy mouth with good things. Ps. cili. 2, 5. 
Ac. xxvii. 35. 1 Tim. iv. 8,4,5. 2 Cor. ix. 12,15. De. 
xxvi. 11. 

O fear the Lord ye his saints: for there is no want to them 
that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: 
but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. 
Ps. xxxiv. 9,10. xxxiii. 18, 19. xxxvii. 3, 5, 25. 1 Pe. v.7. 
Ro. viii. 28. ‘ 

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat 
which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man 
shall give unto you. Jo. vi. 27, 32—35. iv. 34. Lu. x. 41, 
42, xil. 29—34. 1 Tim. iv. 8. 


CHAPTER XLI. 


Question. Which is the fifth petition ° 

Answer. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
those that trespass against us. 

Q. What do you understand by trespasses against 
God, and his forgiveness of them ? 

A. By trespasses against God are meant all sins, of 
what kind or degree soever, which being the great 
debts we owe to his vindictive justice, they are said 
to be forgiven, when the punishment of them is 
remitted by his mercy. 

You being dead in your sins, hath he quickened together 
with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Col. 1. 13. 
Lu. xiv4.. -1 Jo. iii) 4; Ez. ix: 6, 7,15. yz. Rivals ixvili. 
24. Ho. viii. 1. 

When he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him 
which owed him ten thousand talents. Mat. xviii. 24—27. 
Mi. vi. 6,7. Ps. xlix. 7. Ac. viii.23. Mat. ix. 5. Ga. v. 3. 


109 


I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins 
and their iniquities will I remember no more. He. viii. 12. 
Ro. iii. 25. Ps. xxxii. 1, 2. ciii. 3, 10. cxxx. 3. Is. xliii. 
25. xliv. 22. 

@. What are we .to understand by trespasses 
against us,and when may they be said to be forgiven. 

Al. By trespasses against us are meant the injuries, 
either by word or deed, done to us by any of our 
fellow creatures: which, if they be small and incon- 
siderable, may be said to be forgiven, when they are 
_ passed over, either without notice taken of them; or 
however, upon the acknowledgment of the offender. 

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his 
glory to pass over a transgression. Pr. xix. 11. xiv. 29. xvii. 
9. Ec. vii. 21. Mat. v. 40,41. 1 Cor. vi..7. 1 Pe. ii. 23. 

If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he 
repent forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven 
times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, 
saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him. Lu. xvii. 3, 4, Mat. 
XViil. 21, 22, 26—30. _ 

Q. But what if they be great wrongs, for which 
further satisfaction ought, in reason, to be made? 

4. Then the forgiveness of them consists in for- 
bearing personal revenge, and having recourse only 
to public justice for recompense, if it cannot other- 
wise be obtained. 


Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place 
unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, 
saith the Lord. Ro. xxii. 19, 17. De. xxxii. 35. Le. xix. 
18), Pr. xx. 12.. xvii. 13, xxiv..29. 1 Th. v. 15._.1.Pe. iii, 9. 

He is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath 
upon hima that doeth evil. Ro. xiii. 4. Lu. xviii.3. De. xvi. 
18. Mat. xviii. 17. Is.i. 17. Ex. xxii.9. 1 Ki. viii. 31, 32. 

If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him 
his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, 
thou hast gained thy brother. Mat. xviii. 15, 16. 1 Cor. vi. 
5,6. Pr. xxv. 8,9. 1 Pe. iii. 11. Ge. xiii. 7, 8. 2 Sa. xx. 19, 
20. Pr. xii. 20. xvi.7. Mat.v.9. Nu.xxxv.31. Mat. xix. 9. 


Q. And is this a full discharge of the duty of 
christian forgiveness ? 
10 


110 


A. Not unless we are also ready, as occasion offers, 
to perform all offices of humanity to the injurious, 
to quench all malicious and revengeful feelings to- 
wards him, and do unfeignedly pray for his repen- 
tance and salvation. 

Do good to them that hate you. Mat. v.44. Ro. xii. 20, 
21. Lu. x. 33,34. Ge.1.15—21. Ex. xxiii. 4, 5. 

And pray for them which despitefully use you, and perse- 
cute you. Mat.v.44. Lu. xxili.34. Ac. vii. 60. 

Q. What do we gather from this petition thus 
explained. 

A. That we are all, in a higher or lower degree, 
sinners against God; and that it is our duty, with 
undissembled confession of our sins, earnestly to 
implore his fatherly compassion in the forgiveness of 
them for Christ’s sake. 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and 
the truth is not in us. 1 Jo. i. 8,10. 1 Ki. viii. 46. Job 
ix. 2. Pr.xx.9. Ec. vii. 20. Ja. iii. 2. Ps. li. 5. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us 
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jo. i. 
9. Lu. xv. 18, 19. Pr. xxviii. 13. Le. xxvi. 40, 41, 42. 
Ho. vi'1§2"Ps- liv 3: 

Repent of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps 
the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Ac. viil. 22. 
2 Sa. xxiv. 10. Ps. li. 1, 2, 9, 10. Ixxxvi. 3. Lu. xviii. 13. 
Jo. ix. 31. He. iv. 16. 

God was in Christ, pee is the world unto himself, not 
imputing their trespasses unto them. 2 Cor. v.19. Eph. i. 
7. He. vii. 25. Is. lili. 5, 6. 

Q. What do we learn from the condition annexed 
to this prayer? 

A. That as charity in forgiving is an acceptable 
qualification of a penitent’s prayer for pardon, and 
will contribute to render it available; so is it a .con- 
dition of such indispensable, because equitable, obli- 
gation, that without it God will not forgive us. 

“When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against 
any; that your Father also, which is in heaven, may forgive 
you your trespasses. Mar. xi. 25. 1Tim.ii.8. Mat. v. 23, 24. 


Lit 


If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father 
will also forgive you, Mat. vi. 14. v. 9. Lu. vi: 37. Ps: 
Xviii. 25. 

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your 
Stas, forgive your trespasses. Mat. vi. 15. xviii. 35. Mar. 
Xi. 260. F 

O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because 
thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compas- 
sion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? 
Mat. xviii. 32, 38. Lu. vi. 36. Eph. iv. 32. Col. iii. 13. - 


CHAPTER XLII. 


Question. Which is the sixth petition ¢ 

Answer. And lead us not into temptation; but 
deliver us from evil. 

Q. What doctrinal instruction is herein exhibited 
to us? 

A. That although God does never tempt any man 
to do evil, yet he is sometimes pleased, by very 
severe trials, to make proof of the faith and con- 
stancy of his servants. 

Let no man say, when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: 
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any 
man. Ja. i. 13. Ge. xlv. 5. Hab.i. 13. Ps.v.4. 2 Sa. 
xxiv. 1. with 1 Chr. xxi. 1. Ac. ii. 28. Job i. 12. ii. 6. 
2 Cor. iv. 4. 

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt 
Abraham. Ge. xxii. 1. He. xi.17. 2 Ch. xxxii. 31. Job 
ii.3. Mat. iv.1,3. Ja.i. 2,12. 1Pe.i.6,7. De. viii. 2. 
xiii. 3. 

Q. Is nothing further to be understood by tempta- 
tion, and that evil we pray to be delivered from ¢ 

A. Yes: Weare moreover in daily danger, from 
our own corrupt nature, and from the seducements of 
the world and the devil, of being led into such temp- 
tations, as would be too hard for us, and overwhelm 
us in the sad evils of guilt and misery, if, by our 


112 


tempting of God, we should provoke him to with- 
draw his grace, and leave us to ourselves. 


Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own 
lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth 
forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 
Ja.i. 14,15. Jer. xvii. 9. Mat. xii. 35. Mar. vii. 23. Lu. 
vi. 45. Ec.ix.3. Jer. xviii. 12. He. iii. 12, 138. 

That which fell among thorns, are they, which, when they 
have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, 
and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 
Lu. viii. 14. Mat. iv. 8. Pr. xxx. 8,9. 1 Tim. vi. 9. 1 Jo. 
il. 16. Pr. vii. 5. 

Those by the way side, are they that hear: then cometh the 
devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they 
should believe and be saved. Lu. viii. 12. xxii. 8, 4, 31. 
Ac. v.3. 1 Jo. ii. 18, 14. 

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive 
the/word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while 
believe, and in time of temptation fall away. Lu. viii. 13. 1 
Sa. xi. 2,4. Jo. xviii. 16,17. Ac.i.25. Ro.xl.22. He. vi.6. 

To them that are contentious and do not obey the truth, 
but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation 
and anguish, upon every soul of man that doth evil. Ro. ii. 
S59. -viwws 23. vi.i6, 2°Th.'19. © 1 Pim? vi.0h Jar yaa, 
1 Cor, xi. 19. Ja. i. 3. 1 Pe.iv. 12. Re. ii. 10. 

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Mat.iv.7. Ex. 
xvii. 2. Nu. xiv. 22, 23. Ps. xcv. 8. Ixxviii. 18, 41,56. Is. 
Ixiii. 10. 1Cor.x.9. Ac.v.9. 

Whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even 
that he hath. Mat. xiii. 12. xxv.29. Ge.vi.3. Jw. xvi. 20. 
Mat. xii. 45. xiii. 14, 15. Jo. xii. 40. Ac. xxviii. 27. 2 Ch. 
xv. 2. 

I gave them up unto their own heart’s lust: and they 
walked in their own counsels. Ps. Ixxxi. 12. Ex. vii. 13. 
1 Sa. xvi. 14. 1 Ki. xxii. 23. Ac. vii. 42. xiv. 16. Ro. i. 
26, 28. Eph.iv. 18,19. 2 Th. ii. 11. 


Q. What therefore do we pray for? 

4. That God will be pleased either wholly to 
keep us from falling into any strong temptation to 
sin, or, if he sees fit to permit this, that he will not 
forsake us, but give us strength sufficient for the 
combat, and safely lead us through this state of war- 
fare and probation, to that state, where we shall be 
free from all evil, and all temptation to it. 


- 
meg 


113 


Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Mat. 
xxvi. 41. Ps. xix. 13. exix. 188. 1 Cor. x.12. Ro. xi. 20. 
2 Pe. ii. 1. 

Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy 
spirit from me. Ps. li. 11, 12. xxvii. 9. xxxviii. 21. cxix. 8. 
eXXXviil. 8. 

There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is com- 
mon to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to 
be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the tempta- 
tion also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear 
it. 1 Cor. x. 13. 2 Cor. xii. 7, 8,9. iii. 5. He. ii. 18. iv. 
15,16. 2Pe.ii. 9. Re. ili. 10. 

I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, 
but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil. Jo. xvii. 15. 
1 Jo. v.18. Ro. xvi. 20. Ga. i.4. Ps. xii. 7, 8. xxiii. 4. 
Lu. xxii. 32. 

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord—that they may 
rest from their labours, and their works do follow them. Re. 
xiv. 13. xxi. 4. Re. vi. 7. He. iv. 9, 10,11. Re. ii. 7, 11. 
iii. 5,21. 2Tim.iv.7,8,18. 1Cor.ix. 25.xv.57. Ja. i. 12. 


CHAPTER XLIII. 


Question. To whom do you address yourself in the 
Lord’s Prayer? . 

Answer. To my Lord God our Heavenly 
Father who is the giver of all goodness. 

Q. For whom do you pray ? 

A. For myself and all people. 

Q. For what do you pray? 

A. For such things as belong to God’s glory, and 
to our necessities. 

@. What do you pray for, with respect to God’s 
glory ? 

A. That he will send his grace, that we may 
worship him, serve him, and obey him as we 
ought to do. 

Q. What do you pray unto God for, with respect 
to our own necessities ° 

10* 


114 


A. That he will send us all things that are 
needful both for our souls and bodies; and 
that he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us 
our sins; and that it will please him to save 
and defend us in all dangers, bodily and spiri- 
tual; and that he will keep us from all sin and 
wickedness, and from our spiritual enemy, and 
from everlasting death. 

@. What reasons have you to expect that God 
should do all this, which you pray unto him for? 

A. This I trust he will do, of his mercy and 
goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ. And 
therefore, I say Amen. 

Q. What is the meaning of that word, Amen? 

fl. Here, and whenever it is subjoined to a 
prayer, it signifies, so be it, and implies our desire 
that God would; and our dependence upon him that 
he will grant what we pray to him for, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 


The prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: The Lord do so, the 
Lord perform thy words, which thou hast prophesied. Jer. 
xxvili. 6. 1 Ki. i. 36. Ps. Ixxii. 19. 


All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, 
unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor. i. 20. Re. iil. 14. 


Q. What other signification is there of this word, 
Amen ? 

A. When it is added after the creed, a doxology, 
thanksgiving, or any aflirmative proposition, it signi- 
fies, so it is, and denotes our belief of, and our assent 
to, whatever is so affirmed ? 


Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother: 
And all the people shall say, Amen. De. xxvii. 16. 1 Cor. 
xiv. 16. 

@. What do we learn from hence ? 

Al. That we ought to enforce, and sum up all our 

devotions, with a hearty and comprehensive act of» 


115 


the mind, recalling the subject of our prayers, and by 
one fervent appeal to God, striving to move his 
compassion. 

Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God: and all the people 
answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they 
bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to 
the ground. Ne. viii. 6. 1 Ch, xvi. 36. Ps. xli. 13. evi. 48. 

@. What do you conceive to be implied in that 
doxology, which, according to the gospel by Saint 
Matthew, our Lord added to this prayer, when he 
prescribed it in his sermon upon the mount? 

A. By those words, for thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, 
1 acknowledge that God hath a sovereign authority 
over all things, and an Almighty ability to supply all 
our wants, and as the consideration thereof should 
be a prevailing inducement with us to put up the 
foregoing petition to his paternal goodness, so should 
it be likewise to magnify him day by day, and to 
ascribe to him from generation to generation, all 
honour, thanksgiving, and praise, both for the good 
we receive from him, and for those and all the other 
glories of his divine perfection, which are super- 
eminent and eternal. 

All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn unto the 
Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before 
thee. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and he is the governor 
among the nations. Ps. xxii. 27, 28. xlvii. 2, 7. xev. 3. 
ixxxix. 11. 

O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? 
and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and 
in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is 
able to withstand thee. 2 Ch. xx. 6. Ps. xxi. 13. cxxxv. 6. 
ixxxix. 8,9. Is. xxvi. 4. 2 Cor. ix. 8. Phi. iv. 19. He. 
vii. 25. 

‘The same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him. 
Ro. x. 12. Is. xlv. 22. Jer. xxix.12. Da. ix. 18. Mi. vii. 
7. Ps. Ixv. 2. xviii. 3. 1. 15. cxvi. 1, 2. 

I will extol thee, my God, O King, and I will bless thy 


116 


name for ever and ever. Every day willI bless thee, and I 
will praise thy name for ever and ever. Ps. cxlv. 1, 2. xxxv. 
28. Ixvili. 19. xcvi. 2. 1 Ch. xxiii. 30. He. xiii. 15. Lu. 
XXiv. 53. 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above 
all that we ask, or think, according to the power that worketh 
in us, unto him be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, 
throughout all ages, world without end. Eph. iii. 20,21. 1 
Pe. v.11. Phi. iv. 20. Ro. xi. 36. Re. v. 13. vil. 12. 

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing 
raises unto thy name, O Most High: To shew forth thy 
oving-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every 
night. Ps. xcii. 1, 2. c. 3, 4. Col. iv. 2. Re. i. 5,6. Ps. 
exi. 1. 1. 28. 

Who is this king of glory? the Lord of hosts, he is the 
king of glory. Ps. xxiv. 10, exlv. 5,11. Ex. xv. 11, 12. 
xxxlii. 22. Eph.i.6. Col.i. 11. 2Th.i.9. Jo.i.14. Ps. 
xev. 1, 2,3. 

Thou Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted 
far above all gods. Ps. xcvii. 9. xcvi. 4—9. Ixxii. 19. cxxxvi. 
2,3. Is. xlin. 10. Eph. iv. 6. Da. ii. 37. iv. 25. 1 Ch. 
xxix. 10—13. Ne. ix. 5. 

Now unto the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only 
wise God, be honour and glory, for ever and ever, Amen. 1 
Tim. i. 17. vi. 16. De. xxxili. 27. Ps. cil. 27. cxlv. 13. 
La. v. 19.° Da. iv. 3. He.1.72. 


CHAPTER XLIV. 


Question. How many sacraments hath Christ 
ordained in his church? 

Answer. 'I'wo only, as generally necessary to 
salvation, that is to say, baptism and the supper 
of the Lord. 


By one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we 
be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free: and have 
all been made to drink into one spirit. 1 Cor. xii. 18. x. 2, 3, 
4. Jo. xix. 34. 1 Jo. v. 6, 8. 


Q. Upon what account, and to what end, were 
they appointed ° 


117 


1, Baptism, was instituted by Christ to be the rite 
of admission into his church, and is answerable to 
circumcision among the Jews. The Lord’s supper 
was ordained for the exercise, and confirmation of 
our faith in Christ, and appointed by him instead of 
the Jewish passover. 


Then they that gladly received his word, were baptized: 
and the same day there were added unto them about three 
thousand souls. Ac. ii. 41. viii. 12. x. 48. Mat. xxviii. 19. 
He. vi. 1, 2. 

In whom also ye are circumcised, with the circumcision 
made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the 
flesh, by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in bap- 
tism, wherein also you are risen with him. Col. ii. 11, 12. 
Ge. xvii. 9—12, 23, 27. Phi. iil. 3. 

I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered 
unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he _ 
was betrayed, took bread: And when he had given thanks, 
he brake it, and said, take, eat, this is my body, which is 
broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the 
same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, say- 
ing, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, 
as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Cor. xi. 23, 
24, 25. Lu. xxii. 19, 20. 

Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep 
the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of . 
malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of 
sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. v.7,8. Ex. xii. 3, 21, 22, 23, 27. 
Js. 29, ik Bes 4,185.19. 


Q. How and in what respects are these necessary 
to salvation ? | 

A. Baptism is necessary thereto, as being the 
appointed instrument of our regeneration, (by which 
I] do not mean our conversion, or any spiritual work 
in us, but our new relation to God, and change of 
condition through the baptismal covenant :) the Lord’s 
Supper, is necessary as that spiritual food, by which 
we are nourished up to everlasting life: the former 
to be only once, the latter often received. 


118 


Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of 
water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of 
God. Jo. iii. 5. i. 12,18. Tit. iii. 5. 1 Pe. ii. 2. ; 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of 
the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 
Jo. vi. 53. Eph. v. 29. Col. ii. 19. Jude, 20, 21. 1 Cor. 
xi.-83." Ba; 

One baptism. Eph.iv. 5. Jo. iii. 4. Ro. vi. 10. vf 

They continued steadfastly in breaking of bread. Ac. ii. 
42. 1 Cor. xi. 25, 26. Lu. xiv. 15. Jo. vi. 34. 


Q. These ordinances ministering to such great 
ends, why do you say they are only generally, and 
not absolutely necessary to salvation ? 

4. Because I dare not take upon me to exclude all 
hope of God’s mercy in such extraordinary cases, as 
the want of opportunity, or capacity of receiving 
them. But as the Jews were obliged, under the 
severest penalty to be circumcised, and keep the 
passover; so our guilt and danger will be propor- 
tionably great, in not observing, when it is in our 
power, these two more easy institutions, which are 
not only of a higher authority, but also the distin- 
guishing badges of a more excellent profession. 

If ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and 
not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 
Mat. xii. 7. Jos. v. 5,6, 7. Lu. xxiii. 43. 1 Cor. v. 12, 13. 

The uncircumcised man-child, whose flesh of his foreskin 
is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people ; 
he hath broken my covenant. Ge. xvii. 14. Ex. iv. 24, 25, 26. 

The man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and for- 
beareth to keep the passover; even the same soul shall be cut 
off from his people, because he brought not the offering of the 
Lord in his appointed season: that man shall bear his sin. 
Nu. ix. 18, 2,3, &c. Ex. xii. Mat. xxvi. 18. : 

His commandments are not grievous. 1Jo.v.3. 2 Ki. v. 
13. Jo. v. 40. 

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh: for if they es- 
caped not, who refused him that spake on earth, much more 
shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh 
from heaven. He. xii. 25. ii. 2, 3. x. 28, 29. 1 Jo. ii. 4. 
Jo. xiii. 8. Ps. ii. 12. 


4 


i 
| 
| 


\ 


119 


As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do 
shew the Lord’s death till he come. 1 Cor. xi. 26. 2 Tim. 
ii. 19. 

The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by 
Jesus Christ. Jo.i. 17. 2 Cor. iii. 7, 8, 9. 


CHAPTER XLV. 


Question. What meanest thou by this word 
sacrament ? : 

Answer. I mean an outward and visible sign, 
of an inward and spiritual grace given unto 
us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means 
whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to 
assure us thereof. 

Q. That you may more clearly understand this 
definition, its several characteristics should be dis- 
tinguished : can you do this? 

4. We are taught therein, that to constitute a 
sacrament, there must be, first, something discernible 
and apparent to our senses; which, secondly, must 
represent some spiritual grace and favour vouchsafed 
us by God. Thirdly, that outward sign must be of 
Christ’s own institution; and, fourthly, it must be 
appointed by him as the means of conveying to us 
this inward grace, and as a seal and token of assu- 
rance, that he will bestow the one, upon those who 
do worthily receive the other. 

Q. What do you infer from hence. 

1. That forasmuch as these properties are only to 
be found in baptism and the supper of our Lord, no 
other religious rite can be truly called, or ought to 
be esteemed a sacrament. 

Q. How many parts are there in a sacrament? 

A. 'T'wo: the outward visible sign, and the 
inward spiritual grace. 


120° 


Q. What do you remark upon this question and 
answer? 

4. That they are formed out of the foregoing 
description of a sacrament, and naturally lead us to 
the consideration of these two parts, in both baptism 
and the Lord’s Supper. 

@. But before we enter upon that inquiry, let me 
ask, how outward sensible things can be means of 
conveying, and pledges of assuring, divine grace and 
favour ? 

A. Although these sacramental signs were ordained 
by God in gracious condescension to our infirmities, 
thereby to inform our understandings, to refresh our 
memories, and to excite our affections; yet their far- 
ther eflicacy is not owing to any power in themselves, 
but to the blessing of Christ upon his own institu- 
tions and appointments. And we are not to doubt, 
that in the right use of the outward means, he will, 
by the power of his Spirit, though in a manner un- 
known to us, convey and confirm in baptism, and 
convey and confirm in the Lord’s supper, to the 
worthy receivers thereof, the divine grace signified 
thereby, according to his own most true promise. 

Now we see through a glass darkly ; but then face to face. 
1oGons with: 12... ic) 1; 1201 Rove. 39: 

We are buried with him by baptism into death. Ro. vi. 4. 
Ga. iil. 1. 

It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover. Ex. xii.27. He. 
xi 8.) Lu. xxii.'19. 

They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and 
they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son. 
Zee. xii. 10. Jo.i. 29. Re. i.7. 

Neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that 
watereth ; but God that giveth the increase. 1 Cor. ili. 7. 2 
Cor. i. 21. 

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the 
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither 
it goeth, so is every one that is born of the spirit. Jo. iii. 8. 

According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of 


- 


121 


regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Tit. iil. 5. 
Mar. xvi. 16. Ge. xvii. 11. 

Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins. Ac. xxii. 
16. ii. 38. Ro. iv. 11. Eph. i, 13, 14. 

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: 
so, he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. Jo. vi. 57. 
1 Cor. x. 16. 

This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for 
many for the remission of sins. Mat. xxvi. 28. 

He is faithful that promised. He. x. 23. 1 Th. v. 24. 


CHAPTER XLVI. 


Question. What is the outward visible sign 
or form in baptism 2 

Answer. Water: wherein the person is bap- 
tized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. 

@. What peculiar fitness can you see in water, to 
the purpose for which it is here appointed? 

A. Forasmuch as cleansing is one well known 
property of water, it is evidently a fit sign to denote 
our being washed from sin, by virtue of the blood of 
Christ. And since all men were to be invited into 
his church, and some form of admission must be 
ordained, it argued great wisdom and goodness in our 
Lord, to take away that painful rite of circumcision, 
and, instead thereof, to appoint the most common, 
and the most easy sign that could be invented, to be 
the door of entrance into that church. 

Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he 
might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water, by 
the word. Eph, v. 25, 26. Ac. xxii. 16. Tit. iii.5. He. x. 
23.,'+1, Cor;, x»! 1,02. 

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 
1 Jo. i. 7. He. 1x. 14. 

My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mat. xi. 30. 1 
Jo.v.3. Ac.xv.10. He. ix. 10. 

11 


122 


Q. How is water to be used in the administration 
of baptism ? 

A. By dipping, or plunging the person baptized 
under water; or else by sprinkling or pouring water 
upon him. 

They went down both into the water, both Philip and the 
eunuch, and he baptized him. Ac. viii. 388. Mat. iti. 16. 
Jo. ili. 23. 

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be 
clean. Ez. xxxvi. 25. Is. xliv. 3. lii. 15. He. ix. 18, 19. 
x. 22. xii. 24. 1 Pe.i.2. Le. xvi. 14, 15,19. Nu. viii. 6, 
7. xix. 18, 19. 

Q. But was not baptism always administered in 
Scripture times by dipping ? 

A. That is not certain: And in some cases it 
probably was not so administered. But, however, 
that was, washing only is prescribed in the words of 
institution; and washing the face is as sufficient, as 
our Lord’s washing the feet only of his disciples for 
an outward signification of spiritual cleansing. 

He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their 
stripes, and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Ac. 
xvi. 33. ii. 41. 

Baptizing them. Mat. xxviii.19. Mar. vii. 4. Lu. xi. 38. 


Xvi. 24. 
He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is 


clean every whit. Jo. xiii. 10. ix. 6,7. Ex. xxix. 4. xxx. 
20, 21. 

. What would you have us conclude from hence? 

A. That total immersion was only a primitive mode 
of administering it in hot countries, and not an essen- 
tial part of baptism; and that neither the letter, nor 
design of the institution, forbid a charitable and pru- 
dential regard, in the manner of baptizing, to the 
coldness of a climate, the safety of health, and other 
material circumstances. 


There ‘are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and 
the water, and the blood. 1 Jo. v. 8,6. Eph. v. 26. 


123 


I will have mercy, and not sacrifice. Mat. ix. 13. xii. 1—7. 


Q. By whom ought baptism to be administered ? 

4. By a person having authority so to do, under 
a commission derived from Christ. 

Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, all power is given 
unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach 
(or make disciples of) all nations—and lo I am with you alway, 
even unto the end of the world. Mat. xxviii. 18, 19, 20. Mar. 
xvi. 15, 16. Mat. xxiv. 45. 1 Cor. iv. 1. 

Q. With what words must water be applied ? 

A. It is essential to this sacrament, that water be 
administered, in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Mat. xxviii. 19. Ac. viii. 16. xix. 5. 
1 Cor. i. 18, 14, 15. 

Q. What does our being baptized in this name 
signify ? 

A. That we are baptized by the authority and into 
the faith of the blessed Trinity, and do thereby dedi- 
cate and give up ourselves to the worship and service 
of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the 
name of our Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 
vi. 11. Mat. vii. 22. xviii. 20. xxi. 9. Ac. iv. 7, 18. 

Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. 
Re. ii. 18. iii. 8. Mat. x. 22. xix. 29. Ac.ix. 14,15. 1 Ki. 
v.5. Mal. i. 11. 


CHAPTER XLVII. 


Question. Is water baptism of itself sufficient to 
salvation? 

Answer. Though the institution of Christ, as un- 
derstood by his apostles, makes baptism with water 
to be ordinarily necessary ; yet if is not sufficient to 


124 


salvation, without the inward and spiritual grace 
signified thereby. Nig 

He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. Mar. xvi. 
16. Mat. xxviii. 19. Jo. iil. 5. Eph. iv. 5. 

Then answered Peter, can any man forbid water, that these 
should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost, 
as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in. 
the name.of the Lord. <Ac.x. 46, 47, 48. villi. 13. ix. 18. xvi. 
15, 33. xviii. 8. xix. 5. 

Baptism doth also now save us; not the putting away of 
the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience 
towards God. 1 Pe. iii. 21. ii. 24. 1Jo0.i.6, Jer. ii. 22. 

Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace? 

A. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto 
righteousness: for being by nature born in sin, 
and the children of wrath, we are hereby made 
the children of grace. 

Q. What instruction is hereby given? 

A. That in our natural state we are corrupted and 
defiled with sin, and being so, are under the anger, 
and liable to the judgments of God. But that bap- 
tism delivers us from that unhappy condition, by 
applying to us the means of cleansing us from the 
guilt and power of sin; by taking us into a covenant 
of grace and favour with God; and by infusing a 
principle of new life into our souls, to enable us to 
live according to God’s laws, and so to attain that 
everlasting happiness, which is the free promise of 
God in Christ. 

The Scripture hath concluded all under sin. Ga. ili. 22. 
Ps. li. 5. Pr. xxii. 15. Ez. xvi. 3. Ro. v. 19. vii. 14, 18, 23. 

And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 
Eph. ii. 3, 1,2. Ro. iii. 23. v. 12, 14. vii. 5. 

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but 
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regene- 
ration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Tit. ii. 5. 1 Pe. 
lii. 20, 21. Ac. ii. 41,47. Jo. v. 40. 

Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and 
our bodies washed with pure water. He. x. 22. Ro. vi. 14, 2, 12. 


125 


. God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he 
loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us 
together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Eph. ii. 4, 5, 
Sue Ro. v..16.1x..8. -1J0, dit:l. Jer. .xxxi.. 33. 

He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. 
Mat. iii. 11. Ac. ii. 38. Jo. iii. 3,5. 1 Jo. iii. 9. 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I 
put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of 
your flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause 
you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, 
and do them. Ez. xxxvi. 26, 27. xi. 19. Jo. vii. 38. 

The Holy Ghost, he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus 
Christ our Saviour: that being justified by his grace we should 
be made heirs, according to the hope of eternal life. Tit. iii. 
5, 6,7. Ro. v. 1, 2. vi. 22, 2 Pe.i. 10, 11. 


Q. What do you further learn from hence? 

A. That baptism doth represent unto us our pro- 
fession, which is to follow the example of our Saviour 
Christ, and to be made like unto him; that as he 
died, and rose again for us, so should we who are 
baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteous- 
ness, continually mortifying all our evil and corrupt 
affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and god- 
liness of living. 

He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to 
walk, even as he walked. 1 Jo. ii. 6. 11.6. Col. ii. 6. 

_ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into 
Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? Therefore we are 
buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ 
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even 
so we also should walk in newness of life. Ro. vi. 3,4. Col. 
ii. 11, 12, 13. iii. 9, 10. : 

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that 
the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should 
not serve sin: for he that is dead, is freed from sin. Reo. vi. 
6,7. Ga.v.24. 1Jo. v. 18. 

Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, 
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts: and be 
renewed in the spirit of your mind ; and put on the new man, 
which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 
Eph. iv. 22, 23, 24. Ro. vi. 18, 19. Jo. i. 16, 17. 


its 


126. 
CHAPTER XLVIII. 


Question. What is required of persons to be 
baptized ? 

Answer. Repentance, whereby they forsake 
_sin; and faith, whereby they steadfastly believe 
the promises of God, made to them in that 
sacrament. 

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of 
Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive 


the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ac. ii. 38. iii. 19. v.31. Mar. 
itz; 


We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not; but 
he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked 
one toucheth him not. 1 Jo. v. 18. iii. 9. 2 Tim. ii. 19, 25, 
26. Ro. vi. 12. 

The eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me 
to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believest with all 
thine heart, thou mayest. Ac. vill. 36, 37, 12. li. 41. xvili. 8. 
xx. 21. Eph. ii. 8. 


He staggered not atthe promise of God, through unbelief ; 
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God: and being fully 
persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to 
perform. Ro.iv. 20, 21,11, 13. Ga. iii. 8, 9. He. vi. 17, 18, 
19.2 Pei. au 1179, 17. 

Q. What account do you give of these requisite 
qualifications, and the promises here referred to? 

A. The promises of God made in this sacrament, 
and the promises of him that receives it, being the 
subject matter of the baptismal covenant, and having 
been largely examined into, no other account need be 
given of this answer, than what is contained in the 
exposition of the former part of the Catechism. 

Q. Forasmuch as repentance and faith are 
required of persons to be baptized, why then 
are infants baptized, when, by reason of their 
tender age, they cannot perform the promises of 
repentance and faith ? 


127 


A. Because they promise them both by their 
sureties: which promise, when they come to 
age, themselves are bound to perform. 

@. What do you observe upon the difference the 
church makes, in this case, between grown persons 
and infants ° 

A. That grown persons, being able to answer for 
themselves, must, when they are baptized, make an 
actual profession, with their own mouths; of repen- 
tance and faith: But infants, being incapable of such 
acts, are, and only can be, put under an obligation to 
perform them, when they come to years of discretion. 

Q. And is it lawful and proper to baptize infants 
upon such an engagement? 

A. Yes: The Scripture plainly declares infants capa- 
ble of entering into covenant with God, and that they 
may make a virtual and binding promise of that 
which they are not then able to perform. It further 
says, that the covenant of grace belongs to children, 
as well as their parents, and that they are in a capa- 
city of being saved. 

This is my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and 
you, and thy seed after thee—he that is eight days old, shall be 
circumcised among you. Ge. xvii. 10, 12. Col. ii. 11, 12. 

Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God—all 
the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives—that thou 
shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God. De. 
xxix. 10, 11, 12. v. 2,3. Nu. xiv. 33. xxvi. 65. 

I testify to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor 
to do the whole law. Ga.v. 3. Ro.iv. 11. Ge. xvii. 1. De. 
xxx. 6. Ex. xix. 5. 

The promise is unto you, and to your children. Ac. ii. 39. 
Ro. ix.8. xi. 16. Ga. ili. 16, 29. Is. lix.21. Ge. xvii. 7, 8. 

Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them 
not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Mar. x. 14. Mat. 
xviii. 3,5, 10. Jo. iii. 26. Ga. iii. 8,17. Mat. Xxii. 31, 32. 
He. viii. 6. 

@. What conclusion do you draw from these 
premises ? 


128 


A, That as infants were circumcised under the 
law, so they ought to be baptized under the gospel ; 
baptism being now, as circumcision heretofore, an 
engagement to the profession and practice of the true 
religion, the seal of the covenant, and one of the 
means of salvation. 

@. Have you any thing farther to offer in defence 
of infant baptism ? 

A. Yes: Christ’s commission to his disciples to 
baptize all nations; the absence of any limitation or 
prohibition, without which the Saviour must have 
known that the apostles would continue to admit 
infants into covenant, as the Jewish church always 
had; and the constant practice of the church of 
Christ, in the execution of that commission, even in 
the times wherein the apostles lived, and from thence 
downwards, through all ages, to this day. 


Teach (or disciple) all nations, baptizing them. Mat. 
Xxvili. 19. 1 Cor. x. 1,2. Jo. iii. 5. Ge. xxii.18. Ac. iil. 
25. Ga. iii. 27,28. Ac. viii. 12. Ga. iii. 14. Ro. xi. 17. 

The unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the 
unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your 
children unclean, that is; not washed, or not baptized; but 
now are they holy, that is, saints or christians. 1 Cor. vii. 14- 
Ex. xix.10. 1 Cor. vi.11.i.2. Ac. xvi. 15,33. 1 Cor. 1. 16. 

If any man seem to be contentious, we have no such cus~ 
tom, neither the churches of God. 1 Cor. xi. 16. xiv. 36. 


CHAPTER XLIX. 


Question. Which is the second sacrament of the 
New Testament? 

Answer. 'The Lord’s Supper: so called, because 
the Jews’ customary practice of eating bread and 
drinking wine, at the conclusion of the paschal sup- 
per, was by our Lord converted into the sacrament of 
his most precious body and blood. 


129 


He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave 
unto them, saying, this is my body which was given for you: 
this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after 
supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which 
is shed for you. Lu. xxii. 19, 20. 1 Cor, xi. 20. x. 21. Ac. xx. 7. 

@. Does this transfer any obligation upon us to 
receive this sacrament after supper, or in the evening ? 

A. No more than to receive it in an upper chamber, 
a table posture, or with any other circumstance of the 
like nature, wherewith our Lord did eat the passover 
with his disciples before he suffered. 

Q. Under what direction then are we as to matters 
of this kind? 

A. That of the lawful dispensers of this our holy 
mystery, who, with a due regard to its superior dig- 
nity and the intimations of Scripture, have appointed 
the Lord’s house, and the Lord’s day, and the fore 
part of that day, for the stated celebration thereof. 

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, 
and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor.iv.1. He.v. 
1,4. 1Pe.ii.5. Jer. xxxiii. 18. 

Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness. 1 
Tim. iii. 16. Da. x. 21. 

What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye 
the church of God. 1 Cor. xi. 22. De. xii. 5, 6. xvi. 2. Ps. xxvii.6. 

Upon the first day of the week the disciples came together 
to break bread. Ac. xx. 7. Re.i. 10. 

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is 
not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one taketh 
before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another 
is drunken. 1 Cor. xi. 20, 21. Ac. ii. 15. 

@. How often, and in what manner, is it to be 
received ? 

A. The church has provided proper prefaces in the 
communion service for five of the festivals, but the 
usage has been to administer it much oftener; and it 
is ordered to be received in the humble posture of 
kneeling, and with all those inward acts of suitable 
devotion, which: the divine institution, and most 


130 


excellent office of administration, should raise in 
every attentive communicant. 


_ Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 
Ex. xxiii. 14—17. De. xvi. 16. He. x.1. xiii. 15. Ac. il. 42. 

Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us 
keep the feast. 1 Cor. v. 7,8. Ex. xii. 17. De. xvi. 1. 
Nu. ix. 13. 

At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. Phi. ii. 10, 9, 
11. Ro. xiv. 11. Eph. iii. 14—19. Mar. i. 40. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and 
contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. ii. 17. Is. 
Ivii. 15. xxv. 1. Ps. Ixiii. 5. xcix. 5. Mat. xxvi. 30. Col. 
iii. 16. 

Let all things be done to edifying. 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 40. 

Be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools. 
Ec. v. 1. Mat. xv. 8. 


Q. Why was the sacrament of the Lord’s 
Supper ordained? 7 

A. For the continual remembrance of the 
sacrifice of the death of Christ, and of the 
benefits which we receive thereby. 

Q. Is this memorial of Christ’s death to be a 
standing service in his church, so long as it continues. 
militant here on earth? 

A. Yes: Christ did institute, and in his holy gos- 
pel command us to continue a perpetual memory of 
that his precious death until his coming again. 

As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do 
shew the Lord’s death tillhe come. 1Cor. xi. 26. Ac. i. 11. 
Mat. x. 32, 33. He. ix. 28. 

@. What do you mean by calling the death of 
Christ a sacrifice ? 

A. That our Heavenly Father, of his tender mercy, 
gave his only son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon 
the cross for our redemption; who made there (by 
his own oblation of himself once offered) a full, 
perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfac- 
tion for the sins of the whole world. 


131 


Once in the end of the world, hath he appeared to put away 
sin by the sacrifice of himself. He. ix. 26. 22. vii. 27. Jo.1. 
39. 2Cor. v.21. 1 Pe. iii. 18. 

Q. What are the benefits which we receive thereby ? 

A. Thereby alone we obtain remission of our sins, 
and are made partakers of the kingdom of heaven. 

Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many: and unto 
them that look for him, shall he appear the second time, 
without sin, unto salvation. He. ix. 28, 12. x. 10, 12, 14, 18. 
Ro. v. 10. 2 Cor. v.21. Col. i. 21, 22. 

Q. What do you learn from all this ? 

A, That as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield 
up his soul by death upon the cross for our salvation ; 
so it is the duty of all christians to receive the com- 
munion, in remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, 
as he himself hath commanded; and to do it so fre- 
quently, that they may always have a fresh and lively 
remembrance thereof in their minds. 

This do ye, asoft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 
1 Cor. xi. 25, 26. 


CHAPTER L. 


Question. What is the outward part, or sign 
of the Lord’s Supper? 

Answer. Bread and wine, which the Lord 
hath commanded to be received. 


Q. What is specially observable from hence ? 

A. Notwithstanding it is our duty to rest satisfied 
in our Lord’s will and pleasure, without seeking after 
a reason for his appointments; we cannot yet but 
observe, that as our spiritual purification is appositely 
represented by water, in the other sacrament, so is 
our spiritual sustenance by bread and wine in this; 
and that both being parts of one complete nourish- 


132 


ment, and equally significant, this sacrament is com- 
manded to be administered in both kinds. 

I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered 
unto you, that the Lord Jesus took bread, and said, take, eat. 
Also he took the cup saying, this do ye. 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 25. 

Wine maketh glad the heart of man, and bread strengthen- 
eth man’s heart. Ps. civ. 15. Ju. ix. 13. 1 Tim. v. 23. 

This is my body, which is broken for you. This cup is the 
new testament in my blood. 1 Cor. xi. 24, 25. x. 16. 

As they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, 
and gave to them, and said, take, eat; this is my body. And 
he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to 
them; and they all drank of it. Mar. xiv. 22, 23. 

Q. Whatis the inward part, or thing signified? 
A. The body and blood of Christ, which are 
spiritually taken and received by the faithful in 


the Lord’s Supper ? 

Q. What interpretation do you put upon these 
words ? ‘ 

A. That God did not only give his son Jesus Christ 
to die for us, but also to be our spiritual food and 
sustenance in this holy sacrament; and that if we 
receive it with a true penitent heart, and lively faith, 
we do spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink 
his blood. 


The cnp of blessing which we bless, is it not the commu- 
nion, or participation of the blood of Christ? The bread 
which we break, is it not the communion of the body of 
Christ. 1 Cor. x. 16,17, 18. Jo. vi. 55. 

Jesus took bread, and said, take, eat; this is my body. And 
he took the cup, saying, drink ye all of it: for this is my 
blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the 
remission of sins. Mat. xxvi. 26, 27, 28. 


@. What do you infer from what the church thus 
teaches in the communion service? 

A. That which she also teaches in the thirty-nine 
articles; namely, that the body of Christ is given, 
taken, and eaten in the supper, only after a heavenly 
and spiritual manner, and that the mean whereby the 


133 


body of Christ is received and eaten in the supper, is 
faith. ) 


Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh 
to me, shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me, shall 
never thirst. Jo. vi. 35, 40, 47, 68. i. 12. Ga. iii. 1. Eph. 
iii. 17. 

Q. What are the benefits whereof we are 
partakers thereby ? 

A. The strengthening and refreshing of our 
souls by the body and blood of Christ, as our 
bodies are by the bread and wine. 

@. How are our souls strengthened in this ordi- 
nance ? 

1. By the most solemn exercise of our faith, and 
other religious acts; and by that supernatural grace, 
which we receive from this spiritual food, to enable 
us for the better performance of our christian duty 
for the future, 

Exercise thyself unto godliness. 1Tim.iv.7. He. v. 14. 

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in 
me, and I in him. Jo. vi. 56. 2 Cor. xii. 9.- Phi. iv. 13. 
Ps. cxxxviii. 3. Mat. xxv. 29. 

Q. How are our souls refreshed ? 

41. By the comfortable assurance, thereby given us, 
of God’s favour and gracious goodness towards us; 
and that we are very members incorporate in the 
mystical body of his Son, which is the blessed com- 
_ pany of all faithful people; and are also heirs through 
hope of his everlasting kingdom, by the merits of 
the most precious death and passion vf his dear Son. 


He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for 
us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things. 
Ro. vill. 32. 1 Jo. iv. 9.’ Jo. xiii. 1. 

We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 
Eph. v. 30. 1Jo.i.3. 1 Cor. xii. 13. 

God hath given to us eternal life : and this life is in his Son. 
1 Jo. v. 11. ii. 25. Jo. vi. 51, 54, 57, 58. Tit. i. 2. iii. 7. 
He. vi. 17—20. xiis 22, 23, 24. 

12 


134 


@. What do you gather from the whole account, 
which you have given of this sacrament? 

A. That when I come to the Lord’s table, Iam to 
eat the bread in remembrance that Christ’s body was 
broken for me, and to drink the wine in remembrance 
that Christ’s blood was shed for me; esteeming and 
receiving these elements, not as common bread and 
wine, but as consecrated to be the body and blood of 
Christ, to all spiritual intents and purposes; and 
firmly believing that I shall, verily and indeed, par- 
take of all those graces and blessings which Christ 
merited for mankind by his death, and which this 
‘sacrament was designed to convey to every one that 
comes holy and clean to such a heavenly feast, in the 
marriage garment required by God in holy Scripture. 


CHAPTER LI. 


Question. What is required of those who 
come to the Lord’s Supper ? 

Answer. To examine themselves, whether 
they repent them truly of their former sins, 
steadfastly purposing to lead a new life; have 
a lively faith in God’s mercy through Christ, 
wit a thankful remembrance of his death; and 
be in charity with all men. 

Q. Why are all persons more especially to examine 
into the state of their souls, with respect to these 
graces, when they come to the Lord’s Supper? — 

A. Because without repentance we are not capable 
of that pardon, which is here offered us, nor can any 
but believers discern the Lord’s body in this sacra- 
ment, or reap any spiritual advantage from receiving 
it. It is a sacrifice of praise for our redemption by 


135 


the death of Christ; and therefore we are to receive 
it, as by faith, so with thanksgiving. And forasmuch 
as it is a feast of love, and signifies the union of 
christians in one spiritual body, it is necessary that 
those who receive it, should be in charity with all 
men. 

Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye 
shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Mat. xviii. 3. 1 
Cor. x. 21. v. 8. Ro. ii. 4. 

He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh 


damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 1 Cor. 
xi. 29,30, 31. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. He. x. 22,29. 2Ch. xxx. 18, 


5 20. 

He that believeth not, shall be damned. Mar. xvi. 16. Jo. 
Vili. 24. 

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God 
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his 
name. He. xiii. 15. Eph. v.20. 1 Pe. ii. 5. 

We being many are one bread, and one body, for we are all 
partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor. x. 17. xii. 12, 18. Ro. 
xil. 5. 

Walk in love, as Christ also loved us, and hath given him- 
self for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God. Eph.v.2. 1 
Jo.iv. 11. Jo. xiii. 34. xv. 12. He. xiii. 16. 

Q. Suppose, upon examination a man finds himself 
not thus qualified, may he not then be excused from 
receiving ? 

A. The gospel enjoins no more than we can acquire 
and perform. And as the graces, now called forth to 
be vigorously exerted, ought to be the standing tem- 
per and habit of our minds, and one chief design of 
this sacrament is to confirm and fortify us in them; 
he who absents himself, upon pretence of wanting 
them, does only wickedly plead one great fault in 
defence of another, and is therefore the more guilty. 

Wo to the rebellious children saith the Lord, that take coun- 
sel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of 
my spirit, that they may add sin to sin. Is. xxx.1. 2 Ch. 
xxviil. 13. Ro. vi. 1. 


136 


@. But is not the peril of unworthy receiving so 
great, that a man had better stay away, than run the 
hazard thereof ? 

A. We could not enter the kingdom of heaven in a 
state in which it would be unsafe to receive the Lord’s 
supper. The danger is indeed great to them who 
will presume to eat this bread, and drink this cup of 
the Lord, rashly and unadvisedly,-but it is no less 
dangerous to them, who stand out in disobedience to 
the last and dying command of their dearest Saviour, 
and reject his invitation to so many great spiritual 
advantages, upon pretence of that danger, which it is 
in their own power to avoid. 

Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the 
Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the 


Lord. 1 Cor. xi. 27, 30. x. 21, 22. Mat. xxii. 11, 12, 18. 
a Choixxx. 18. 19,20. 0.Pso1. 16..iP resi. 2c, dee le le 


He sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to— 


the wedding, and they would not come—but when the king 
heard thereof, he was wroth :—and saith to his servants, the 
wedding is ready; but they which were bidden, were not 
worthy. Mat. xxii. 2—8. 

The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, 
said, this do in remembrance of me. 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24. 

Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and 
I will give you rest. Mat. xi. 28. Is.lv.1. Jo. vii. 37, v. 
40. vi. 35, 68. Pr. ix. 6. 

If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 1 
Cor. xi. 31. Ps. xxxii. 5. 2 Ch. xxx. 8. 


@. What is the result of all this ? 

A. That there can be no compounding in this 
case; and that our safety consists in resolving to do 
the duty required, and to take the best care so to 
prepare ourselves, that the performance may be 
accepted by God. ose 

Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, 


and drink of that cup. 1 Cor. xi. 28. Is. lv. 6,7. Pr. xxviii. 
13. ; 


——_: << see 


a 


137 


Q. But may not an accidental hindrance excusably 
interfere with this duty ? 

/l, Yes, it may, if the circumstance is beyond our 
control. But then the impediment is to be removed, 
and the omission repaired, with all possible diligence 
and conscientiousness. 

If any man of you, or of your posterity shall be unclean by 
reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall 
keep the passover unto the Lord. The fourteenth day of the 


second month at even they shall keep it. Nu. ix. 10, 11, 6, 7, 
8. 2 Ch. xxx. 1—4. 


CHAPTER LII. 


Question. Nothing now remaining, but to look into 
the nature of those duties, which are required of 
them who come to the Lord’s Supper, that they may 
be received as worthy partakers of that holy table ; I 
pray, in the first place, what is it to repent us truly of 
our former sins? 

A. To examine our lives and conversations by the 
rule of God’s commandments ; and whereinsoever 
we shall perceive ourselves to have offended, either 
by will, word, or deed, there to bewail our sinful- 
ness, and to confess ourselves to Almighty God, with 


_ full purpose of amendment of life. 


Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. 
La. ili. 40. Ps. cxix. 59. Ixxvii. 6. 2Cor. xiii. 5. Ga. vi. 4. 

Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, not to be 
repented of. 2 Cor. vii.10, 9,11. Ps. li. 17. Joel ii.12, 13. 

Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and 
am no more worthy to be called thy son. Lu. xv. 21. Ps. li. 
3., 1 Jo. i. 9. 

I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy 
righteous judgments. Ps. cxix. 106. 1 Pe. iv. 1, 2. Ac. 
xxvi. 20. Mat. liii. 8. Phi. i. 11. 


Q. What if we shall perceive our offences to be 


138 


such) as are not only against God, but also against 
our neighbours ° 

A. Then we must strive to be reconciled to them, 
being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, 
according to the uttermost of our powers, for all 
injuries and wrongs done by us to any other. 

If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest 
that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift 
before ‘the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy 
brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Mat. v. 23, 24. 
Ro. xii. 18. 1 Tim. ii. 8. 

Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the 
half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any 
thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him four- 
fold. And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to 
this house. Lu. xix. 8,9, 10. 1 Sa. xii.3. Ez. xxxiii. 14, 15. 

Q. To this we are obliged, even by the laws of 
justice: But what does charity further require of us? 

A. To be likewise ready to forgive others that 
have offended us, as we would have forgiveness of 
our offences at God’s hand. 

Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one 
another, even as God, for Christ sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 
iv. 32. Col. ii. 12, 13. 

Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Lu. vi. 37. Mat. vi. 12, 
14, 15. 

Q. What follows in the next place ? 

. When upon examination we find that we truly 
and earnestly repent us of our sins, and are in love 
and charity with our neighbours, and intend to lead a 
new life, following the commandments of God, and 
walking from henceforth in his holy ways, we must 
then draw near without fear, and take this holy sacra- 
ment to our comfort ; firmly believing, that Almighty 
God, for the ‘sake of our blessed Redeemer, and in 
regard to the merits of his death, will mercifully 
pardon, and graciously receive us as worthy com- 
municants. 


139 


Be of good comfort; rise, he calleth thee. Mar. x. 49. 
Lu. viii. 48. Mat. v. 4. xii. 26. Lu. iv. 17—21. Is. xl. 1, 2. 

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest 
by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he 
hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his 
flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God, let us 
draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith. He. 
xX. 19—23. vii. 25. 2Pe.i.4. Lu. xv. 20. 

@. What more is required of us in this ordinance ? 

A. To behave with all possible reverence and 
devotion, when we present ourselves amongst our 
brethren to feed on the banquet of that most hea- 
venly food; and, as our principal business at the altar, 
to give most humble and hearty thanks to God the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as for all the 
blessings vouchsafed unto us, so especially for the 
redemption of the world by the death and passion of 
our Saviour Christ, both God and man. 

- God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints: 
and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. 
Ps. Ixxxix.7. xciii.5. He. xii. 28. Mat.xxi.37. Ac. xx. 19. 

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass 
thine altar, O Lord; that I may publish with the voice of 
thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Ps. xxvi. 
6,7. xxiv: 8: Wit 7. oviil."T. ex) Ty Pssexvitigy 16897, 
ciii. 1—5. cxlvii. 1. Eph. v. 20. 1 Th. v. 18. 

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and 
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and 
blessing. Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be 
unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for 
ever andever. Re. v. 12,13. Lu. ii. 14. 1 Cor. xv. 57. 2 


Cor.i. 3. Col. iii. 17. 

@. Is there no other preparatory act required of 
those who come to the Lord’s Supper ? 

A. None of such indispensable obligation as re- 
pentance, faith, charity, and thankfulness. But the 
church would have all persons confirmed, before 
their first admission to the sacrament,* that being an 


*Rubrick after Confirmation. 


146 


institution, as wise and useful, as it is affecting and 
devout, derived down throughout all succeeding ages, 
from the practice of the apostles.” ; 

Q. What is meant by this passage in Jeremiah, 
(xxxii. 18.) ‘Thou showest loving kindness unto 
thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the 
fathers into the bosom of the children after them °’ 

A. It corresponds with that solemn declaration 
appended to the second commandment, in which the 
Almighty declares, that he will not only punish idola- 
try in the persons who are themselves guilty of it, 
but that its demoralizing and destructive consequences 
extend to the third and fourth generation of those 
who, loving idols, hate the true God ? 

Q. May this be reconciled with divine mercy and 
justice ? 

A. Not only justice requires that the parent should 
be apprized of all the dreadful consequences of sin, 
but mercy demands the employment of that means to 
deter him from what must necessarily prove no less 
injurious to his offspring than himself. 
 Q. Wherein is this remark applicable to the subject 
of the religious instruction of the young? 

A. We must plainly infer that when parents, who 
are idolaters of the world, mould the characters of 
their children, in education, to the same principles ; 
or merely neglect, by proper care and instruction, to 
establish in them christian principles, they themselves 
extort from the Almighty, and inflict upon their off- 
spring, the curse denounced even to the third and 
fourth generation. 


* Ac, viii. 17. xix. 6. He. vi. 2. 


THE END. 


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